Coming from a team that is a Western Conference powerhouse to a team like the Sixers might not be what everyone is looking for. That is not the case with newly acquired Byron Mullens, who is excited to experience more playing time and become a leader on a young team
“It is going to be awesome,” Mullens said. “L.A. is a really a tough rotation to get into. All the players are great there. So I am looking forward to being a leader on this team.”
The Sixers are Mullens' fourth team in his four year career. In addition to the Clippers, Mullens also saw time with the Thunder and Bobcats. Mullens is not a stranger to a rebuilding season either. During his time with the Bobcats, they went 7-59 in 2011 and 21-61 in 2012. They currently hold the sixth seed in the East at 27-30.
“Everybody knows with a team like this it is rebuilding. Getting these young guys just out on the court and getting them the feel for the game. Take Charlotte the last two years and now look at them; they are in the playoff race. This team just got a lot of picks so it is going to be a bright future.”
Charlotte was where Mullens endured the most success. In the 2011-12 season, he averaged 9.3 points and five rebounds per game. That increased to 10.6 and 6.4 the next season, before joining the Clippers. This season with LA, Mullens is averaging 2.5ppg and 1.2rpg in 6.2 minutes. He played over 22 minutes per game with the Bobcats in his time there.
Henry Sims joins Sixers and preaches defense
Henry Sims, in his second NBA season, didn't take too long to put a smile on Sixers coach Brett Brown's face as he came into Sixers practice preaching defense.
“You just want to start crying,” Brown said. “I want to hug him and start crying and have him over for dinner. And yes that is what we need.”
Although he didn't get to play against the Mavericks, Sims did dress for the game. An unknown in the Sixers future plans, Sims knows what he wants to do with his time in Philadelphia.
“Be active around the rim and defensively is personally what I want to do, that is part of my game already. I watched the game yesterday and I am excited to be able to help defensively, try to make a mark and help these guys.”
With the Cavs, Sims played 8.4 minutes per game and averaged 2.2 points and 2.8 rebounds. In an enhanced role with the Sixers, those numbers could certainly elevate a bit for Sims. Before the trade deadline, the Cavs and Sixers faced off and Sims scored seven points and grabbed eight rebounds.
“It was funny because I was actually chatting back and forth with Spence that night. And two days later, we are playing for each other’s coaches. I didn’t see it coming.”
With the Sixers, Sims knows that it is going to be quite a struggle to start winning, but that doesn't make it any less important for the Baltimore native.
“That is bigger than showing what you can do. Winning trumps everything, but it is an exciting opportunity to be able to come here and play and contribute and I hope to take advantage of that.”
Both of the new aquisitions could see their first action with the Sixers on Monday night, when the Milwaukee Bucks come to the Wells Fargo Center.
Brandon Apter is a contributor for Sixerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ApterShock
