​The Philadelphia 76ers currently have one roster spot open, and at the moment that slot appears to be earmarked for free agent LeBron James. But what if the 22-time All-Star chooses elsewhere? If Philadelphia doesn’t land James, where should the team look for immediate help to fortify the roster? A potential option surfaced on Wednesday when ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Denver Nuggets waived veteran center Jonas Valanciunas. Charania noted that Valanciunas is expected to draw interest from multiple NBA teams, signaling that he could quickly become a sought-after addition for a contender in need of frontcourt depth.
Valanciunas’s name wasn’t long in the headlines linking him to the Sixers, and the logic behind such a connection is straightforward. The current backups to Joel Embiid—Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti—have shown promise but lack the experience of serving as a full-time, high-usage second unit center. Bona has spent his career backing up Embiid and past starter Andre Drummond, while Hukporti was the third-string center behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson during his time with the New York Knicks last season. Neither player has demonstrated the durability or track record of handling extended minutes in a high-stakes role, which makes a veteran presence appealing.
Adding Valanciunas would represent a meaningful upgrade for Philadelphia, especially on the offensive end. The 14-year veteran posted averages of 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game on 58.2% shooting across 65 appearances for the Nuggets last season. While Valanciunas isn’t known for stretching the floor with three-point shooting, he has consistently served as a reliable interior presence and as the primary backup to Nikola Jokic, one of the league’s most versatile centers. His ability to anchor the second unit in the pick-and-roll, set sturdy screens, rebound, and provide proven post-up scoring could help stabilize the second unit when Embiid is resting, or in games where Embiid’s minutes are monitored more conservatively.
The core issue for Philadelphia remains Embiid’s availability. The 2023 MVP missed a significant portion of the 2025-2026 campaign, appearing in only 38 games. That season gap left Drummond and Bona to shoulder much of the frontcourt workload for more than half the year, which is less than ideal for a team with championship aspirations. Relying on Bona and Hukporti to step into the main backup role without proven starting-center experience could carry risk, especially in a playoff run where every game matters. A veteran like Valanciunas, who has started numerous games throughout his lengthy career, could provide the steadiness and reliability the Sixers crave when Embiid’s health or minutes are managed more conservatively.
Of course, there is no guarantee that the Sixers will land Valanciunas or any other veteran center before the season unfolds. If Philadelphia misses out on the chance to pair Embiid with a seasoned backup in Valanciunas, the team could accelerate plans to pursue alternative options in free agency or even consider trade routes to bolster the frontcourt. The decision will hinge on the organization’s assessment of Embiid’s health trajectory, the pace of James’s free agency decision, and how much risk the front office is willing to assume with the existing depth chart.
In the meantime, fans and analysts will be watching how Valanciunas’s market evolves. With multiple teams anticipated to show interest, the Sixers may find themselves in a competitive marketplace for veteran bigs who can contribute immediately. If Philadelphia cannot secure a deal for Valanciunas or chooses to wait for LeBron James, they could pivot to other established centers who offer a blend of rebounding, interior scoring, and veteran leadership—qualities that could help stabilize the second unit and sustain the Sixers’ playoff push.
As the offseason unfolds, the Sixers Roundtable community will continue to monitor every development. The 76ersRoundtable page remains a hub for fans to discuss roster moves, coaching philosophies, and the broader strategy shaping Philadelphia’s championship window. If you’re new to the Roundtable, you can join by visiting the page and clicking the “Join” button at the top. It’s free to participate, and you’ll have the opportunity to engage with fellow Sixers fans who are passionate about the team’s direction, share insights, and debate the best routes to sustained success. If prompted to sign up or download the Roundtable app, know that the process is free and designed to foster spirited, informed conversations about the Philadelphia 76ers. Anthony Pasciolla, publisher of 76ersRoundtable, can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or followed on X @AnthonyPasci for ongoing updates and analysis.