The Philadelphia 76ers signed veteran big man Kyle O'Quinn this off-season in the hopes that he can spell superstar center Joel Embiid some valuable minutes off the bench. Per Tom Moore of The Morning Call, O'Quinn, fully aware that he will primarily be Embiid's back-up, is prepared to make the most of his role with the Sixers.
“I never say this role is too small for me. I embrace it. (I can handle my) minutes (being) up and down.” said O’Quinn. “I think I’ve played every role in the NBA over my seven years. I’ve had the luxury of starting and I’ve had the luxury of being the 15th guy. But the work doesn’t go unnoticed and I’m always ready for any opportunity. I think that was the main thing that coach Brown and Elton wanted to get across to me. Having Tobias as a teammate, I’m sure he can attest to it.
With Philadelphia also signing former All-Star big man Al Horford, O'Quinn's minutes, however, are still not a sure thing. Tobias Harris, whom O'Quinn played with for two-and-a-half seasons in Orlando, can certainly help get a word in for the former Norfolk State stand out.
The Sixers struggled to find quality big man minutes off their bench last season during times when Joel Embiid rested. But O'Quinn has a proven track record that he can be solid back-up center, playing the role for the most part of his seven-year career. He has started just 63 of his 443 career games so far, so this shouldn't be unfamiliar territory for him.
O'Quinn played sparingly last season with the Indiana Pacers, appearing in just 45 games. The two years prior, the 29-year old center was a fixture in the New York Knicks rotation.
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