By Dante Nelson, Sports Talk Philly Staff Writer 
We already know throughout NBA history that just because you don't get drafted does not mean you won't make it in the league. It might be harder, but not impossible.
The Sixers signed a few players who didn't hear their name called back in June. Let's talk about them. Can they stick on the team? What about a trip to Delaware?
Shawn Long
Shawn Long is a forward from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He averaged 17.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game over four years, which is pretty nice. He also shot 34 percent from three point range. While that's not all that impressive, during the Summer League with the Sixers, he shot over 50 percent from three. He was only 7 for 13, but if he has worked on his shot, he…he has a shot. Get it? It would be nice to say "Long, from long range". Or maybe "He knows all about Long range!" No, wait! "Shawn Long Range" That's it! I really hope he can shoot.
He seems to be a Power Forward. In today's NBA, flexibility in more than one position is a growing demand. Anyway, the Sixers have enough on their hands at that position. However, recent developments actually gives Long an opening. Ben Simmons (I wince too) is out for a while. Joel Embiid is going to be on restrictions and Jahlil Okafor is still recovering. So, Long may be on the active roster until they get healthy, then might drop to the 87ers. He could be like Christian Wood going back and forth.
Cat Barber
Cat Barber probably doesn't work for a pet grooming service, though that would be interesting. I mean, if the team cuts him, maybe he sticks around and takes care of the team's pets. I'm sorry; let's get to know this player.
Cat's name is Anthony, but we'll stick with this Cat. (I'm funny) He's from North Carolina State. He's a 6-2 guard. Looking at his college stats, he averaged 14.5 points along with 3.9 assists per game in three years. What's interesting about Cat is each year his line got better. For instance, in his last year, he actually averaged 23.5 points and 4.5 assists. He also shot 35 percent from long range and 45 percent from the field in general.
The Sixers don't necessarily need him on the active roster, but, again, the Sevens is a place where they can keep an eye on him. We're going to have to see how that goes.
James Webb
Alright, so James Webb is an interesting player. He also played for the Sixers in the Summer league. He's from Boise State. In his two years there, he ended up averaging 13.5 points and 8.6 rebounds. He shot 33 percent from three point range but shot a crazy 63 percent from two point range. In the end, he shot 52 percent from the floor. He shoots less that 70 percent from the free throw line so…yeah.
A wing player is a need on the Sixers. Is Webb the guy to fill that need? Not likely. Will the Sixers give him a shot? Eh, I'm not too sure about that. I think he will likely be on the Sevens as well, trying to make a name for himself.
Brandon Paul
Brandon Paul is different from the other players we talked about because he's a rookie but he last played in college in the 12-13 season. Where did he go?
I mean, he hung around in the D-League. He just came over from playing overseas. This is interesting for a reason I'll get to soon.
Anyway, Paul is from Illinois. He spent four years there. He averaged 12 points but shot less than 40 percent from the field. Youch. But, when he played in the D-League, he averaged 14.6 points while shooting 46 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. Much better. While playing in Europe, he averaged 11.4 points on 39% shooting from the field but 36% shooting from long range. So, in recent years, he's developed a three point shot that could prove useful.
Making the team seems to be a legit possibility mainly because he could be what the Sixers were hoping Nik Stauskas would be. I have also seen Paul be compared to Isiah Canaan in terms of style of play. So, if Sixers cut Stauskas, Paul may slide into that spot. He scored 15 points in under 13 minutes in the Sixers preseason opener on Tuesday.
If he doesn't make the team, he has options. He could go back overseas or return to the D-League with the Sevens. So, we really don't know what he'll do.
All of these players technically have a shot of making the roster, but would probably not see much time on the court. If they don't make it, the Sevens could be a force to reckon with if they end up there. If I had to guess a player most likely to make the team, it's going to be Paul.
