Sixers Notes: Sims may hang on with Sixers

Henry Sims hopes he has found a home with the 76ers.

"I feel like I'm playing well here," Sims said. "I'm getting along with the coaching staff. I enjoy the fans. Even though we are in a tough spot right now, every game the fans are there supporting us.

"So I wouldn't have a problem coming to Philly right now."

It's likely the Sixers are seriously considering granting the 6-foot-10, 248-pounder his wish.

The center brings a toughness and grit the franchise will need.

"There's a swagger in him," Sixers coach Brett Brown said. "He's got a low center of gravity, a little bit like Lavoy [Allen] presented for us, which was different than Spencer [Hawes].

"He's got a toughness and a physicality that we need."

Sims has been a bright spot since the Sixers acquired him for Earl Clark (later cut) and two second-round draft picks in a trade with Cleveland for Hawes on Feb. 20. The second-year player, who has an expiring contract, is averaging 8.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and one steal in 11 games as a Sixer. He has started the last 10 and recorded his first double-double (20 points and 10 rebounds) against Sacramento on March 12.

Not bad for someone who averaged just 2.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 8.4 minutes in 20 games with Cleveland before the trade.

"It's an opportunity," the Georgetown product said of being able to showcase his skills with the Sixers. "It's what I have been waiting for since I left school. Coach trusted me and put me in the starting lineup. It's my job to do what he asks. That's what I'm trying to do."

Sims went undrafted after his senior season of college in 2012, and playing in the NBA appeared to be a long shot.

After summer league stints with Utah (Orlando summer league) and Chicago (Las Vegas summer league), he signed with New York on Sept. 10, 2012. The Knicks released Sims in Oct. 27. He signed with the Erie Bayhawks of the NBA Development League shortly afterward.

His only NBA action that season was a 10-day contract with New Orleans.

This preseason, Sims signed with Cleveland but was assigned to the D-League's Canton Charge twice in December.

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