Headed into the opening of Sixers training camp, which takes place from Sept. 29 through Oct. 3 at Stockton University in Galloway, N.J., we'll take a look at some of the more interesting players to watch.
Player: Furkan Aldemir
Height: 6-9
Weight: 220
Position: Power forward
Strengths and weaknesses
Aldemir is a rebounder. He has a nose for defensive rebounds and for finding his position in the paint on defense. However, in his regular-season run with the Sixers last season, Aldemir didn't show much of a shooting game at all. In fact, it was tough to see if Aldemir had any type of shooting prowess because he rarely shot it. In his 19 games, he has attempted just five shots from 10 feet or longer and just 11 shots from deeper than three feet.
But during summer league action in Utah, he hit three three-pointers in one game and led the league in rebounding (13.3 per game) with 2.7 blocked shots per game.
What to expect
We don't suspect coach Brett Brown will look to Aldemir to shoot the three like he did in Utah, however, the coach will want the big man to enhance his "identifiable NBA skill." In that regard, expect Aldemir to focus on defensive rebounding and setting picks. Better yet, with a chance to come into camp in better shape, Aldemir may have a few other skills we aren't aware of.
Either way, expect Aldemir to have a spot on the final roster locked down if for no other reason than to justify general manager Sam Hinkie's investment in the player.