76ers are still finding reasons to play

Brett Brown is getting solid contributions from young players like Casper Ware. Credit: Getty Images Brett Brown is getting solid contributions from young players like Casper Ware. Credit: Getty Images

In a season already contains 59 losses, there is still much to gain for many of the Sixers.

Don’t tell them the final seven games are meaningless.

Not even close.

For players such as Henry Sims, James Nunnally, Brandon Davies, Elliot Williams, Hollis Thompson and Casper Ware, among others, it’s a final audition. They’re not only out to show the Sixers what they can do. It’s also an audition for the entire league.

“I’m an undrafted free agent and I don’t take anything for granted — nothing,” said Sims, who has scored in double figures in six of the past seven games. “I’m out there playing hard every night. I’ve wanted to be an NBA player my whole life and I’m going to give it 110 percent every practice, every game. It’s the only way I know how to play.”

Ware recently signed a 10-day contract and was most recently playing in Italy.

“For every kid, the NBA was the dream place for all of us,” Ware said. “I’m so happy to be here. It’s frustrating to lose, but to make it to the NBA has always been my goal. I don’t know what the future holds, but I sure hope it’s in this league.”

Thompson is one of six rookies on the Sixers and the experience he’s gained through the first 75 games is invaluable. He’s surely hoping the dream continues next season.

“I feel like my game has improved so much and I’m thankful to the coaches and how great they’ve been in working with me,” Thompson said. “It’s been a crazy season and the losing has been tough, but it’s been a great experience in terms of my overall development. I want to play in this league for as long as I can and I’m going to work at it in the offseason to keep my dream alive.”

In these final seven games, nothing will change for this group of Sixers. They’ll keep playing as hard as possible, hoping and praying it’s enough to remain either with the Sixers or within the league.

“I know for me, personally, not being drafted made me work even harder,” Sims said. “I think that’s something that just pushes me every day. To make it this far has been a great ride. I won’t stop working at it ever.”