Sixers Free Agent Introductory Press Conference: A Live Blog

The Sixers are holding a press conference Friday afternoon with “with Managing Partner Josh Harris, General Manager Elton Brand and many of the 76ers new/re-signed players.” Stick with us for the latest updates and quotes as we live blog the presser.

11:45 am: Player numbers below.

• Al Horford: #42
• Tobias Harris: #12
• Josh Richardson: #0
• Kyle O’Quinn: #9
• Raul Neto: #19
• James Ennis III: #11

11:42 am: The presser has concluded.

11:41 am: O’Quinn says he needs to check out the bar and bat mitzvah market in Philly, will report on his impressions at a later time.

11:40 am: Kyle O’Quinn says Philly is the kind of place you want to make sure you catch the first bus, not the second. Need to be ready to compete from the jump. O’Quinn knows his audience.

11:39 am: Richardson says playing the Sixers in the past, it was a blood bath. He says he relishes that. Brett Brown told Richardson the team is going to play defense, share the ball and try to win a championship.

11:38 am: Josh Harris says he believes this group is capable of bringing a championship to Philly.

11:36 am: O’Quinn says he came to Philly because he needs to win. His role is secondary to winning, and no role is too small for him.

11:34 am: Tobias, while speaking on his offseason workouts with Ben Simmons, says that he was guarding Ben at the three-point line in one session because he had dared Ben to shoot two threes prior, and Ben sank both. Also says Ben works out in the gym religiously.

11:33 am: Kyle O’Quinn says he’s ready to fill the shoes of whatever opportunity is presented to him, as someone who has been asked to start and someone who has been the 15th man on a roster.

11:32 am: Horford says the Sixers’ strong interest made it an easy decision to sign for him.

11:30 am: Josh Richardson says he attributes his growth to how he was molded in college, had to work for everything as a two-star recruit. Says he knows how important it is to continue to grow. Looks forward to competing with his teammates to see who spends the most time in the gym.

11:28 am: Tobias says he’s looking forward to increased responsibility on the offensive end.

11:25 am: Elton says Joel understands the team’s goal is to deliver the best Embiid in the playoffs. Having great backup options bodes well for team success, and Joel is on board.

11:25 am: Horford says the possibility of teaming up with Joel Embiid excited him.

11:22 am: Josh Richardson says that Tobias Harris took Josh and a teammate out to dinner when they got to Tennessee, so they had a relationship before becoming teammates in Philly. Tobias recalls Richardson was “hungry” and always in the gym while at Tennessee.

11:21 am: Al Horford says that the opportunity to compete for a championship was a priority for him.

11:20 am: Tobias on finally having stability: “It means a lot... It was a win-win to come here and be in situation where I can develop and where we can compete for years to come... Hopefully I can finish my career here.”

11:20 am: Elton says he’d make the Butler trade again, not upset at all about it.

11:18 am: On whether bringing Butler back was a priority, Elton deflects, wishing Butler well.

11:16: Al Horford: “First of all... I’m hype, I’m ready to go...”

11:14: Elton says he’s sure the Hive is happy to have Mike Scott back (who is not present at the presser).

11:13 am: Elton hits more on the championship talk. Both he and Harris say they are willing to do whatever it takes.

11:12 am: Josh Harris: “To our fans, I don’t know about you but we are incredibly excited... I will do whatever we have to do and be all in in delivering a championship to Philly.”

Elton is now on the mic.

11:07 am: Josh Harris is on the mic. He thanks Butler, Boban, TJ, and JJ and wishes them well moving forward. Harris says the front office hit it out of the park this offseason, and that he’s really happy with where the team is. “We’re moving forward with an elite starting five... We’re balanced and we’re big.”

11:06 am: Tobias Harris posted a picture to his instagram in which he’s wearing his jersey and... a new number! He’ll take #12, and TJ McConnell fans everywhere are conflicted.

11:01 am: According to Kyle Neubeck of the Philly Voice, the Sixers will have 8 people available to the media.

It appears we may have a rare eight-man presser this morning. Sixers have the press area set up for all of O’Quinn, Ennis, Harris (Tobias and Josh), Brand, Horford, Richardson, and Neto. Never seen that here before

— @KyleNeubeck

10:50 am: As we wait for the presser to commence, let’s review the Sixers’ releases regarding their offseason/free agency signings, re-signings and trades.

Matisse Thybulle, July 3rd

PHILADELPHIA – JULY 3, 2019 – Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Elton Brand announced today that the team has signed Matisse Thybulle, the No. 20 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

“Matisse was the best defensive wing in the draft and his tenacious and gritty play fit our culture perfectly,” Brand said. “A talented shooter and a great person off the court, we’re very excited to welcome Matisse to the 76ers family.”

Josh Richardson, July 6th

PHILADELPHIA – JULY 6, 2019 – Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Elton Brand announced today that the team has acquired Josh Richardson as part of a four-team trade involving Miami, Portland and the L.A. Clippers.

As part of the trade, Miami acquired Jimmy Butler and Meyers Leonard, Portland received Hassan Whiteside and the L.A. Clippers obtained Maurice Harkless, the draft rights to Mathias Lessort and a protected first-round pick from Miami.

“We are thrilled to welcome Josh to the 76ers family,” Brand said. “He has worked diligently and improved each season. As one of the NBA’s best young two-way talents, Josh’s ability to space the floor while also effectively guarding multiple positions at an elite level will bolster our lineup immediately. We look forward to seeing Josh’s continued development as we strive to win a championship for the city of Philadelphia.”

“I would also like to thank Jimmy for the many contributions he made to our organization. He was integral to our success last season and we wish him the best with the Miami HEAT.”

Shake Milton, July 7th

PHILADELPHIA – JULY 7, 2019 – Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Elton Brand announced today that the team has signed Shake Milton to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Shake is the perfect example of what hard work and strong player development can produce,” Brand said. “We are proud of the strides he made in the G League last season, where his game was able to blossom while gaining confidence as a pro. He has earned the right to be where he is today. He is an exciting young talent and I look forward to his continued development with the 76ers and the depth that he provides our roster.”

Al Horford, July 10th

PHILADELPHIA – JULY 10, 2019 – Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Elton Brand announced today that the team has signed Al Horford. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We’re excited to welcome one of the NBA’s best frontcourt players in Al Horford to Philadelphia,” said Brand. “He has built his reputation around hard work and a tradition of winning, which are the same qualities that have formed the foundation of the 76ers. Al’s playmaking, elite defensive talents and veteran leadership confirm why he is a crucial addition to our roster. We have gained a championship-level teammate that will not only complement our current makeup, but will help grow our young core as we strive for the highest level of success.”

Tobias Harris, July 10th

PHILADELPHIA – JULY 10, 2019 – Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Elton Brand announced today that the team has re-signed Tobias Harris. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Signing Tobias and solidifying him as a foundational piece of our core for years to come was a top priority for our organization this summer,” said Brand. “His impact in our city extends far beyond his elite talents on the floor. He has ingrained himself in the community and established himself as a leader and driver of positive change. Tobias is a fierce competitor with a tireless work ethic and embodies all of the qualities of a franchise cornerstone. I couldn’t be happier to welcome Tobias and his entire family back to the 76ers and we all look forward to continuing our quest to win a championship for this city and our amazing fans.”

Mike Scott, July 11th

PHILADELPHIA – JULY 11, 2019 – Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Elton Brand announced today that the team has re-signed Mike Scott. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Mike epitomizes what Philadelphia loves - a fierce competitor with a tireless work ethic, who’s driven by the desire to win,” said Brand. “His toughness, grit and passion are palpable, as the city of Philadelphia has come to know. We are thrilled to have Mike back with the 76ers.”

Kyle O’Quinn, July 11th

PHILADELPHIA – JULY 11, 2019 – Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Elton Brand announced today that the team has signed Kyle O’Quinn. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We’re very excited to welcome Kyle to the 76ers,” Brand said. “A seven-year NBA veteran, Kyle is a talented frontcourt player who can score, rebound and block shots. We think he fits our team and culture very well. We’re excited for Kyle’s arrival to Philadelphia.”

James Ennis III, July 12th

PHILADELPHIA – JULY 12, 2019 – Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Elton Brand announced today that the team has re-signed James Ennis III. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are excited to welcome James back to the 76ers,” said Brand. “James had opportunities elsewhere, but he is determined to win here in Philadelphia. That’s the type of competitor he is, and it shows how much he cares about our fans and team. His heart, hustle and playmaking were integral to our success last season and we’re thrilled to have him back.”

Raul Neto, July 12th

PHILADELPHIA – JULY 12, 2019 – Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Elton Brand announced today that the team has signed Raul Neto. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“By adding Raul to our roster, we’ve gained an experienced and valuable veteran who is a tremendous passer with great court vision,” Brand said. “We’re fortunate that he’s now a member of the 76ers and we’re eager to integrate him into our team.”