Sixers sign former Temple product Dionte Christmas

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Editor  

The deadline to make roster cuts for Opening Night in the NBA is today, Monday, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time. Surprisingly, the Sixers first move was to add someone to their roster, rather than cut, signing former Temple standout Dionte Christmas to a one-year contract.

The Sixers have signed Philadelphia native and Temple product Dionte Christmas.

— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) October 24, 2016

#Sixers Christmas says he signed a 1-year deal with options.

— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) October 24, 2016

Christmas, 30, hasn't played in the NBA since the 2013-14 season, when he appeared in 31 games for the Phoenix Suns. He had a memorable career at Temple, though, averaging 15.7 points per in 130 games as a member of the Owls. He led the Atlantic 10 in scoring for three consecutive seasons. The 6-foot-5 guard has played overseas for seven seasons as well.

The Sixers roster is now up to 20 with time ticking until the 5:00 deadline. The most likely cuts will be Brandon Paul, James Webb III, Shawn Long and Cat Barber. Derek Bodner of Philly Mag mentions via Twitter that teams can designate up to 4 players cut during camp as affiliate players. Retain D-League rights if they sign a D-League contract. Christmas was seen at Sixers practice on Monday.