Sixers Sign Rookie Forwards, Harkless & Moultrie
Philly.com
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 24, 2012 – The Philadelphia 76ers announced on early Tuesday afternoon that they have signed rookie forwards Maurice Harkless & Arnett Moultrie.
Harkless was the 15th overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the 76ers, while Moultrie was the 27th overall pick by Miami Heat. The Sixers acquired the rights to Moultrie from the Heat in exchange for the draft rights to Justin Hamilton (45th overall pick) and a protected future first round pick.
Adding the two young forwards to the 76ers lineup will add great depth to the wing and forward positions respectively. Moultrie will be able to play immediately behind star forward Andre Iguodala and become an instant spark of the bench.
Contrasting, Moultrie will be the sixth guy on the Sixers roster playing either the power forward or center position. However, out of all of the players on the roster he adds amazing length and athleticism for his position as well as a recognized presence in the post while crashing the boards.
Harkless (6-8, 208), a New York City native, earned all-metro honors from both the New York Daily News and New York Post in his sophomore and junior seasons at Forest Hills high school. Harkless played at South Kent High School his senior year in high school and averaged 27.2 points, 13.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
“Moe” was named Big East Rookie of the Year after averaging 15.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks while shooting a little above 45% from the floor. Harkless became ranked sixth in the nation in scoring among freshman and second in rebounding as well.
Moultrie (6-11, 249), a Memphis born big man, was a First Team All-SEC selection after averaging 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds this past season. Moultrie shot 54.9% from the floor and 78% from the line while leading the conference in rebounding and ranked tied for 10th in the nation in that department.
Moreover, he was an athletic behemoth and “stat-sheet stuffer” on the low block by recording 18 double-doubles in 30 games played in roughly 36 minutes per game last season.
These two will be a great addition the 76ers lineup and after a meet and great with fans earlier this week, it’s clear they both have bright futures with the Philadelphia fan base.
*In addition to this article, a moment of silence for the late Rebecca McCallick. Communications major from King’s College who was killed Tuesday morning in a hit and run, one of the great faces at the college that will be sorely missed*
Tyler R. Tynes is the Featured Columnist for the Philadelphia 76ers with Rant Sports and Beat Writer for Philadelphia Sports Nation and NBA Analyst for NBA Streets.
Follow me on Twitter @RealTylerTynes for all Sixers and NBA sports updates. And also follow me on Instagram @TheRealTylerTynes.
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[...] Sixers Sign Rookie Forwards, Harkless & MoultrieRant SportsHarkless was the 15th overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the 76ers, while Moultrie was the 27th overall pick by Miami Heat. The Sixers acquired the rights to Moultrie from the Heat in exchange for the draft rights to Justin Hamilton (45th overall … [...]
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