Sixers recall Tiago Splitter from Delaware 87ers

NEW YORK --The 76ers recalled Tiago Splitter from the Delaware 87ers on Monday.

The Sixers sent Splitter down to their NBA Development League affiliate on Tuesday as part of his return-to-play protocol.  The power forward/center last played in an NBA game as an Atlanta Hawk on Jan. 31, 2016, before having season-ending right-hip surgery.  He could make his Sixers debut in the coming days.

The Sixers are here in New York for Tuesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center. They will return to Philadelphia to host the Hawks on Wednesday before road games against the Cleveland Cavaliers (Friday) and Toronto Raptors (Sunday).

Splitter averaged 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, one assist and 13.8 minutes in two games with the Sevens.  His better outing came Saturday when he posted eight points and eight rebounds in 14 minutes against the Windy City Bulls at Bob Carpenter Center. The 32-year-old made 4 of 6 shots.

The Sixers acquired Splitter and a protected second-round pick from the Hawks for Ersan Ilyasova on Feb. 22. The Sixers also have the right to swap another second-rounder in June's draft.

Splitter's contract will expire at the conclusion of this season. The Sixers' goal is to rehabilitate the post player so he can be in position to sign a free-agent deal with a team of his choice this summer.

Sixers coach Brett Brown and Splitter have a relationship from their days with the San Antonio Spurs. Splitter was a player, while Brown was an assistant coach.

Follow and contact 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers.