The Sixers on Tuesday waived center Jarvis Varnado and veteran Keith Bogans and signed Drew Gordon and Malcolm Lee.
"They are energized athletes that want to play defense," Brett Brown said of the team's two acquisitions. "They both have good spirits and are trying to be noticed. At this stage for us, they were real viable options. We are excited to have them here."
Gordon went undrafted in 2012 after playing his college basketball at New Mexico. The 6-foot-9 forward played the past couple seasons overseas.
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This past summer Gordon was a member of the Sixers’ Las Vegas summer league team, and he averaged a team-high six rebounds.
Familiarity with Brown's system is helpful, as is Gordon's willingness to do the little things on the court.
"I am hoping to bring them defense," Gordon said. "I am going to try and get everything that needs to be done, done. I am a guy that can come in and help in any way that needs help. Defense, being able to get on the boards and do things other guys don't want to do."
Lee was the 43rd overall pick by the Bulls in 2011. Chicago traded him on draft night to Minnesota where Lee spent two seasons, but he appeared in only 35 total games.
NBA
The 6-foot-5 shooting guard and the Sixers have something in common; Both are rebuilding.
"I see a big opportunity to help this young team as well as help my career," Lee said. "I am trying to rebuild my career. I had a little setback last year, but I feel like this is a good opportunity to help this franchise head in the right direction."
Lee did not make an NBA roster during the 2013-14 season.
Like Gordon, he feels the strength of his game is his defense, but he has added other weapons since leaving UCLA three years ago.
"Beginning of my career I was known for my defense," Lee said. "I can knock down some shots and be a playmaker. I can also get in the paint."