Malcolm Thomas Waived, Drew Gordon Called Up From D-League

Who had November 10th in the first in-season transaction pool? Anybody?

Yahoo's Marc Spears had it first:

Sixers recalling forward Drew Gordon from D-League Delaware, a source told Yahoo Sports.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) November 10, 2014

Drew Gordon, cut by the 76ers in training camp and designated as one of the four training camp invites whose D-League rights belong to the pro-team, has officially been called-up. Why? Take it away, Keith Pompey:

#Sixers PF Malcolm Thomas is expected to have surgery on his left knee. If so, he will be sidelined for around 4 weeks.

— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 9, 2014

Thomas' injury happened so early in the season, and apparently involved a lingering issue with his knee from before this season, so it's a wonder the Sixers did not catch it before signing him. Regardless, Thomas' injury means he gets his full salary despite being cut for roster space, and the Sixers will be covering his surgery costs. For a journeyman fringe NBA player, it's a nice reward for just four games played.

Regardless of all this, aside from the surgery costs the Sixers lost nothing due to their being under the salary floor. It didn't exactly work out as well as envisioned when I surmised that Thomas was roughly the sixth best player on the team.

We saw enough of Gordon, the elder brother of Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon, in training camp. A pleasant surprise, Gordon averaged nearly 8 points per game. With a still-thin roster, especially if Nerlens Noel continues to have ankle issues, the former top collegiate prospect should have a chance to play.

The Sixers have off until Thursday, where Gordon (and Nerlens Noel and maybe even Michael Carter-Williams) will be in uniform.