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It an unfortunate turn of events, it appears Fighting Illini basketball is back down to just two active NBA players. According to Sports Illustrated’s Jake Fischer (and later confirmed by other media members), the Philadelphia 76ers have cut former Illinois star Brandon Paul from their 15-man roster. The move allows the franchise to retain former Michigan guard Nik Stauskas, who averaged 8.5 points per game last season.
Nik Stauskas has made the Philadelphia 76ers' 15-man roster, according to a league source. They will release Brandon Paul.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) October 24, 2016
Source confirms the #sixers will cut Brandon Paul, paving the way for Nik Stauskas to make the 15-man roster. @JakeLFischer first to report
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) October 24, 2016
Paul agreed to a partially guaranteed contract with Philadelphia back in July after a fantastic showing at NBA Summer League. While it was always going to be an uphill battle for a full-time roster spot, some nice preseason performances gave us hope that the 76ers front office would opt for a new direction to fill out their bench.
We’ll have to wait to see what the future holds for Paul, but unless another club shakes up their roster at the last second, another D-League stint seems to be a likely outcome for now.