Five young Sixers took the Rico Hines Runs stage in UCLA this offseason, headed for a 2025-26 season where health and development could unlock a sharper, deeper rotation. Justin Edwards joined fellow sophomores and rookies VJ Edgecombe, Johni Broome, plus newcomers Trendon Watford and Jabari Walker as they logged valuable run with top pros and peers. The focus is clear: give these hopefuls meaningful reps now so they’re ready to contribute if injuries strike or upgrades are needed as Philadelphia aims to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

The piece centers on Edwards, Edgecombe, and Watford as the likely anchors of a burgeoning young group, while Broome and Walker add length and versatility. Rico Hines Runs are framed as a critical bridge to the season, offering tested competition and floor time that could accelerate growth and shape the Sixers’ rotation decisions. If health cooperates, these five could push Philadelphia’s depth from an issue to a genuine strength in 2025-26.

In brand-new form, the report underscores how the runs translate to fantasy impact: extended play for Edwards’ scoring upside, Edgecombe’s defensive versatility, Watford’s multi-position fit, and Broome/Walker’s potential to contribute without sacrificing floor spacing. It’s a reminder that early development can steer late-season value and buy-low opportunities for fantasy managers chasing spring depth charts.

Philadelphia’s 2025-26 schedule is a test: 16 back-to-backs, tied for the most in the league, with five of them coming in the first 22 games. Embiid and George, both coming off knee issues, will force Nick Nurse to pace the star duo carefully as the calendar grinds on toward the playoffs. That means Embiid likely sits in back-to-backs early, handing extra responsibility to the Sixers’ depth. George, recovering from offseason knee surgery, is also expected to be limited in those back-to-backs, making it incumbent on the rest of the roster to hold the line during heavy stretches.

The Mayer of depth: Daryl Morey’s summer additions—Trendon Watford, Jabari Walker, Dominick Barlow—will be called upon to deliver when Embiid and George rest. On paper, the Sixers look solid, but fantasy managers must lean into the chance of extended minutes for those depth pieces on back-to-back nights. The roster’s balance could be the season’s make-or-break factor, turning a win-now plan into a real DFS/season-long opportunity for savvy managers who read the schedule well.

In practice, Embiid’s health and George’s availability will shape every box-score narrative. Expect a rotation that leans on Watford, Walker, and Barlow at key moments, with Nurse managing minutes to keep the stars playoff-ready. The Sixers’ depth will determine their ability to stay competitive when top guys ride the bench.

Jabari Walker joined Philadelphia on a two-way deal after three seasons with Portland, and the No. 34 he wore in Portland is now retired by the Sixers for Barkley, so he’ll wear No. 33 in Philly. Walker’s early path to real NBA minutes hinges on Joel Embiid’s health as the team navigates a frontcourt with veteran and developmental options. The Sixers are counting on Walker to grow into interior depth behind Embiid, with the knee surgery adding a layer of urgency to the development timeline.

Fantasy managers should monitor Walker’s progression in camp and early-season opportunities. A two-way deal means a narrow window to earn a stable rotation role, but Embiid’s health could create ceiling-raising chances for Walker if he shows versatility, size, and defense. Philadelphia’s big-man mix—plus potential injuries or rest days—could elevate Walker from practice-warrior to a meaningful fantasy streamer or late-round stash as the season unfolds.

The Philadelphia 76ers have signed Jabari Walker, a promising big man, on a two-way deal ahead of the upcoming NBA season. Walker, a second-round pick of the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022, is viewed as a potential asset due to his development during his three seasons in Portland. His addition is seen as a steal for the 76ers, especially considering his youth and upside.

To enhance his chances of securing a standard contract, Walker will likely spend time with the Delaware Blue Coats, the 76ers' G League affiliate. Additionally, he is set to sign with Klutch Sports Agency, which could play a pivotal role in his career trajectory as he embarks on this new chapter in Philadelphia.