Sixers Staying In Holiday Spirit, Invite Christmas to Summer League

Derek Peiffer by Scribe Written on June 29, 2009
SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 29:  Dionte Christmas #22 of the Temple Owls celebrates after hitting a basket while being fouled against the Florida Gators in the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic at Bank Atlantic Center on December 29, 2007 in Sunrise, Florida. Florida defeated Temple 86-69.  (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Just hours after the draft ended, the 76ers were already gathering up some loose ends. With only one pick for the night, they had little time to waste to try and bring in some more young talent.

Dionte Christmas was first on the list.

Christmas, who went undrafted on draft night, even though many thought he'd be snatched up in the second round, may just be a good gain for the 76ers.

The Sixers offered Christmas one of four spots they have on the roster for when the Nets and themselves combine their prospects to compete in the Orlando summer pro league next week.

A source close to the team had confirmed that Christmas will accept the invitation.

Joining Dionte in Orlando will be the 76ers first round draft choice Jrue Holiday, and second-year forward Marreese Speights (who flat-out dominated during the summer play last season.)

In his senior season at Temple, Christmas showed that he can lead a team. He took over quite a few games and led his team to victory, and the NCAA Tournament, all while showing an all-around type of play.

Dionte averaged 19.5 points per game with 5.8 rebounds, all whilst being able to step away from the basket and shoot 35.2 percent from three point land.

With three point shooting a need for the 76ers, Dionte may find himself wearing a Sixer uniform come fall.

If the kid shows he can play, I would welcome him to the team with open arms. One could only hope he could take Willie Green's spot, but now were just dreaming.

Stay tuned to see how the situation plays out. Games will take place in Orlando from July 6-10, with workout beginning July 2.

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written on June 29, 2009 Breaking News

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