The Philadelphia 76ers are struggling with a 23-50 record, ranking 12th in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers are on a six-game losing streak, underperforming this season with starters Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey all sidelined with injuries.
Yet, the 76ers are still making roster moves, even if many fans are ready for the season to be over. Philly turned their attention to the G League with their latest move.
Phillip Wheeler has joined the roster with a 10-day deal. Previously playing for the Maine Celtics and Texas Legends, he averaged 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game this season.
Wheeler already made his debut for the Sixers against the Washington Wizards which ended in a 119-114 loss on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old forward recorded four points, securing two rebounds and two assists during his 15-minute debut on Wednesday. Wheeler went just 2-of-9 from the field in his first contest.
The Philadelphia 76ers plan to sign Phillip Wheeler to a 10-day deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Wheeler has averaged 15.8 points and 5.7 rebounds for the Maine Celtics and Texas Legends in the G League. Wheeler is represented by agent Jerry Dianis. pic.twitter.com/E9jXrJ55zb
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) March 26, 2025
"It's a blessing, honestly," Wheeler told Ky Carlin from SixersWire on Wedneday. "This morning I woke up. I didn't think I was going to be here. It's a blessing and an opportunity."
"I can cry about it right now, honestly, because where I started, I didn't think I was going to be here. Starting off in Italy when I was 16, off of just, let's try to make something happen. A year goes by, I got my first little NBA G League tryout, and after that, it was history," Wheeler continued.
"Try out player with the Rio Grande Vipers and, they cut me, and I had became a practice player. Just practice with them all the time to try to make my way out, meet new people, connections, all that kind of things."
Phillip Wheeler scores for the Philadelphia 76ers on his NBA debut, after signing a 10-day contract earlier today (with a replay) pic.twitter.com/3e2GFsu680
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) March 27, 2025
The Sixers sit at No. 6 in the NBA lottery standings with some fans holding out hope that Philadelphia could win the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes by landing the No. 1 pick. Philly's season will end on April 13 with a matchup against the Chicago Bulls.
Related: 76ers Announce Concerning Tyrese Maxey News
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This story was originally published March 29, 2025 at 7:03 AM.