December 22, 2015
At Jerry Colangelo’s opening press conference, the Sixers’ new chairman of basketball operations wasn’t shy in sharing his opinion about the current squad’s lack of veteran leadership. It appears as if the team is already getting down to work on that front.
First reported by ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Brett Brown has met with two players that have a combined 17 years of NBA experience, Chuck Hayes and John Lucas III:
Chuck Hayes & John Lucas recently visited Philly to meet with coach Brett Brown, sources told ESPN. Sixers considering adding some veterans.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) December 22, 2015
After the Sixers' 104-90 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, Brown confirmed the report.
"That's true," Brown said. "I think when you go through this period of time, it's all on the table. It's always about what's best for the program."
"We talked with them, we did meet with them and worked them out," Brown said.
When asked if either player would join the team at this stage, Brown said no. And while he refused to name names, the Sixers coach confirmed that the team has been in contact with other players as well.
Hayes is a 6’6” center that Sam Hinkie knows well from his six seasons with the Houston Rockets. Strong as a bull, Hayes’ calling card is his post defense:
Saint Joseph’s fans remember Lucas III well, as the son of the former Sixers coach ended Jameer Nelson and the Hawks’ dream season in the Elite Eight over a decade ago. A journeyman who played with five NBA teams (including Houston), Lucas III was waived this preseason by the Miami Heat.
Considering the stage both players are at in their respective careers, the motive for signing one of them would be primarily for the purpose of adding more experience in the locker room.
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
