The Delaware 87ers, the Sixers’ D-League affiliate, have acquired Jordan McRae, the team announced. Philadelphia owns McRae’s NBA rights after nabbing him in a draft-night swap with the Spurs last June. The guard was selected with the No. 58 overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft. McRae joining the 87ers could pave the way for him to sign with Philadelphia and make his NBA debut prior to the end of this season. The possibility that McRae could join the Sixers this year was first reported back in January by Tom Moore of Calkins Media. Philadelphia does have one remaining roster spot after waiving JaVale McGee earlier this week, so no additional move would be required to add McRae to the squad.
Philadelphia coach Brett Brown has reportedly been keeping a watchful eye on McRae’s progress overseas, so he is likely familiar with what the player could bring to the Sixers. “We are always paying attention to Jordan,” Brown said in January. “He’s in a good situation. He’s playing a lot of minutes and continuing to score. Jordan is always in the back of our minds.”
McRae has spent this season playing in Australia, appearing in 27 games for Melbourne United in the National Basketball League. McRae was NBL’s second-leading scorer this season, averaging 19.9 points in 29.9 minutes per contest. He shot 44.1% from the field, and nailed 51% of his three-pointers, which was good for fifth in the NBL. McRae also appeared in the NBA summer league for Philadelphia, averaging 21.0 PPG.