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From Jake Fischer:
The Sixers are signing forward Nemanja Bjelica to the room mid-level exception, per source.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 5, 2018
First, let me say: I’m all about this signing.
Bjelica is entering his 4th season in the NBA, but he’s already 30-years-old. He spent much of his professional career playing overseas in the Euroleague, where he was awarded the MVP in 2015.
Bjelica’s first three NBA seasons were with the Minnesota Timberwovles, and in his most recent season, Bjelica averaged 6.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 20.1 minutes per game. He shot 41.5% from 3PT last season, and has connected at a 37.1% clip from distance over his entire NBA career.
Bjelica can play the 3 and the 4, providing steady defense and consistent shooting. He’s pretty much the Ersan Ilyasova replacement. He’s a great addition given that he’s being signed using the room mid-level exception.
This signing does, though, make you wonder about the roster construction and how likely it is that Jonah Bolden is able to stay with the Sixers for the regular season.