Sixers Sign Willie Cauley-Stein To 10-Day Contract

The 76ers have signed center Willie Cauley-Stein to a 10-day contract, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said in a press release.

Cauley-Stein, 28, is 7-foot-0 and has extensive NBA experience, but has been on the free agency list most of the season. He appeared in 18 games with the Mavericks earlier this season, averaging less than 2 points per game.’

Still, the 76ers could use some size after dealing center Andre Drummond to the Nets as part of the Ben Simmons–James Harden trade. Cauley-Stein will now get an opportunity to serve as Joel Embiid‘s long-term backup.

Along with the Mavericks, Cauley-Stein has spent time with the Warriors and Kings, after being selected with the No. 6 overall pick in 2015. Below is the release from the 76ers.

Prior to being drafted, Cauley-Stein played three seasons at the University of Kentucky where he was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year as a junior. That season, he was also selected to the All-SEC First Team, the All-SEC Defensive Team and the USA Today first team All-American Team. During his time as a Wildcat, Cauley-Stein recorded 233 blocks which are the second-most in program history. Cauley-Stein also is the only player in school history to record at least 500 rebounds, 200 blocks and 100 steals. 

The Spearville, Kansas native will wear No. 00 with the 76ers.