CAMDEN, N.J. — On Sunday morning, the Philadelphia 76ers converted undrafted rookie Michael Foster Jr. to a two-way deal. He had been in camp on an Exhibit 10 deal. Foster Jr. was undrafted after playing the 2021-22 season with G League Ignite.
To create space to give Foster Jr. the two-way deal, the Sixers waived Charlie Brown Jr., who held one of the two-way spots. Foster Jr. and Julian Champagnie are Philadelphia’s two-way contract holders heading into the season.
The deal gives Foster Jr. some stability. He knows he will be part of this team for the 2022-23 season while playing for both the Sixers and the Delaware Blue Coats in the G League.
“Just potential,” said coach Doc Rivers of the decision to convert Foster Jr. “This is more of a collective decision. This is not me making any of these. This is more collected — but more potential. Especially, right now with this team. He’s young, athletic, big. He needs to learn how to play basketball. When you look at his athleticism and they project he has a chance.”
Rivers will be in contact with Delaware coach Coby Karl to give instructions for what to do with the undrafted big man. The Sixers see the athleticism and the hard work that he puts in, and they want to tap into that.
“We send some of our guys down right away with him,” Rivers said of Karl and Foster Jr. “He’s got a lot to work on, but just his raw skill and raw ability is just so high. You should give yourself a chance to see if you can teach him and make him a player.”
Foster Jr. believes he made a big impression on the Sixers throughout training camp and the preseason, influencing their decision to convert his deal.
“Really everything,” he said. “I’m a hard worker. Every time I step on the court, I give 110%. Afterward, I put my work in. Plus I’m a coachable guy, so whatever they need me to do, I’ll go out there and try to do it the best I can.”
New two-way player Michael Foster Jr. working on his jumper after practice today #Sixers pic.twitter.com/0gZuCvDjLy
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) October 16, 2022
In terms of what he wants to work on, Foster Jr. wants to add a jumper to his arsenal and be that type of player for the Sixers in his NBA future.
“For sure,” he said. “I’ve been seeing myself like that for a while. I’ve been shooting ever since high school, even middle school I’ve been shooting. Now just at a different level.”
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