Embiid pushes back on ‘sacrificing’ as LeBron arrives in Philly – Atlantic Division roundup

There were no games on the schedule for the Atlantic Division yesterday, but it was anything but quiet. With opening night approaching, the 76ers, Knicks, Celtics, Raptors and Nets all used the off day to tighten their rosters and clarify roles.

76ers: Embiid’s stance on sacrificing, LeBron’s GOAT chase in Philly

According to CBS Sports, Joel Embiid explained why he’s “against the concept of sacrificing” on the star-studded Philadelphia 76ers, saying he doesn’t believe any of the team’s stars needs to take a back seat this season. CBS Sports also notes that LeBron James, entering his 24th NBA season and first with the 76ers, is chasing a fifth title with a fourth different team, framing this Philadelphia chapter as a key piece of the ongoing NBA GOAT debate.

On the transaction front, the 1-3 Sixers were active. Hoops Rumors reports that Philadelphia waived forwards Dillon Jones and Cris Carroll and guards Jameer Nelson Jr. and Taye Fields, all on non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 deals. The team also filled its open two-way slot by converting Tacko Fall’s Exhibit 10 contract into a two-way agreement, per Hoops Rumors, ensuring the 7’6" center remains in the organization.

Knicks: Wiseman wins roster spot, Brown waived, Bradley claimed

The New York Knicks (1-4) clarified their frontcourt depth chart. CBS Sports reports that former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman secured the final roster spot ahead of Bruce Brown, giving the defending champs additional size up front. Hoops Rumors adds that the Knicks ultimately placed Brown on waivers after exploring ways to keep him.

Hoops Rumors also notes that the Jazz claimed veteran center Tony Bradley off waivers after he was cut by the Knicks, and that New York briefly signed and then waived wing Dink Pate on an Exhibit 10 contract. In a separate New York-focused update, Hoops Rumors relays that Karl-Anthony Towns didn’t receive an extension during camp but has been very complimentary of new backup big man Andre Drummond.

Celtics, Raptors, Nets: Two-way slots locked in

At 4-0 and atop the Atlantic, the Boston Celtics made a round of expected camp cuts. Per Hoops Rumors, Boston waived Hayden Gray, Milos Uzan, Gabe McGlothan and Tucker DeVries, all on Exhibit 10 contracts, and is converting former lottery pick Devin Carter’s deal into a two-way contract.

The Toronto Raptors (2-3) made a similar move up front. According to Hoops Rumors, they converted big man Nate Bittle’s Exhibit 10 deal to a two-way contract while waiving five other camp invitees: Tyreke Key, Nimari Burnett, Tyson Degenhart, Jamarion Sharp and Jalen Celestine.

In Brooklyn, the 3-1 Nets didn’t announce main-roster changes, but a former Net found security elsewhere. Hoops Rumors reports that guard Reece Beekman’s Exhibit 10 deal with the Wizards has been converted into a two-way contract. In broader New York notes, Hoops Rumors also highlights projections for the Nets alongside a positive assessment of the Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns–Andre Drummond center rotation.