6:00pm: Lofton’s signing is official, the Sixers announced in a press release.
12:32pm: Shortly after being waived by the Grizzlies, free agent forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. has agreed to sign a two-way contract with the Sixers, sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link).
Lofton became the victim of a roster crunch in Memphis when the team needed to open up a roster spot to activate Ja Morant following the completion of his 25-game suspension. Lofton was part of the 15-man roster to open the regular season, but lost his spot to Bismack Biyombo, whom the Grizzlies signed when they placed Morant on the suspended list in early November.
Lofton, who went undrafted out of Louisiana Tech in 2022, spent most of his rookie season on a two-way deal with Memphis. He appeared in 24 games for the NBA club, averaging 5.0 points and 2.1 rebounds in 7.3 minutes per contest, and received a promotion to the standard roster near the end of the season.
However, the burly 6’7″ forward failed to establish himself as a regular rotation piece this fall, averaging just 2.6 PPG and 1.0 RPG in 15 appearances (6.6 MPG) and making only 37.8% of his shots from the floor. Because his contract wasn’t guaranteed beyond this season, he became a logical release candidate once the Grizzlies decided they wanted to hang onto Biyombo.
In order to make room for Lofton, the Sixers are waiving guard Javonte Smart, reports Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
Smart got into just one game this season for Philadelphia, having spent most of the season with the Delaware Blue Coats in the G League. Across 16 Showcase Cup games for Delaware, he averaged 21.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 34.5 minutes per game, with an impressive shooting line of .466/.424/.970.
Lofton will add some depth to the 76ers’ frontcourt and will join guards Terquavion Smith and Ricky Council as the team’s two-way players.
Yeah Baby!!!! I guess Morey reads Lefty, lol!!!!
This is terrific news
I mean why trade for some big name giving up a ton of assets when I think if you can develop Lofton Jr. you might have something there!!!
Reminds me of an over weight
Carl Landry
Bamba will be bought out…
The Eagles could use him, two sport athlete?
dont forget the phillies.lol
The G Leagues Montrez Harrell
Undersized centre that just looks to score
I rate the kid but clearly he has some holes in his game that he needs to improve if he ever wants to earn a real spot in this league.
Not tall enough to be a centre really, not mobile enough to be a 4, not the best defender, due to being undersized makes rebounding harder for him, but he does have a good offensive game in the paint and has an ability to shoot threes that needs improving. If he was to lose the weight he’d probably be more mobile and be able to play the 4 but it would hurt his offensive game, not being able to overpower guys. But I think he has the skill do not just rely on his mass, just needs to lose some of that weight.
He currently measures 6’6 and 275 which is top 10 heaviest in the league (9 pounds off Zion and the same height). If he could get down to 250 which is what Julius Randle and LeBron are I think it would help him
For reference, Harrell is 6’7 and 240 …
Memphis is paying him for two more years plus this year. What are they thinking this past two years. Waive Kennedy, Christopher, Todd and Lofton. Draft Jake L and another PF named Jackson who is 19 now. Traded Tyus Jones and two firsts for M Smart. They deserve this bad luck. Fire the GM. They should trade for Bojan and Bagley. Trade Kennard, Zhaire Williams, Jake L, Konchar, Tillman, cash and a exception with some 2nds. Waive Jackson just because they like to waive people and he is the only young guy by himself. Promote Gilyard and Vince Williams. Bring in a real coach with experience. Nate McMillan
KNICKS should’ve gotten him – he’s a lefty after all.
Paleo Cardio
No Fap
No bacon
Let’s go K Lo Jr
Idk why we go for the undersized center as a backup. Paint opens waaay up when Embiid sits already with Reed and Lofton is wider not taller.