Sixers Find Center In The Netherlands

"Francisco Elson was in The Netherlands on Tuesday when the 76ers called to invite him for a workout and a chance to make the team.

He worked out Thursday morning, and on Friday he signed a contract.

So forgive him, he said, if he seemed a little tired.

"I'm jet-lagged and everything," Elson said. "So if you catch me on the bench sleeping, you'll know where it's coming from."

Sixers coach Doug Collins said he doesn't plan to use Elson during games, at least for now, even though his top two centers, Spencer Hawes and Nikola Vucevic, are still out with injuries. Hawes missed his sixth straight game with a left Achilles' strain and Vucevic his third straight with a quad strain.

Hawes said there's a chance he can return tonight when the Sixers play the Pistons. But he said the Sixers' game against the Orlando Magic is more realistic. "I went through all the normal pregame stuff," Hawes said. "Coach had me dunk a lot when I'm usually shooting a hook shot or lay-in. It was just to test it out and stretch it out a little more. It felt good. It responded pretty well."

Elson, who'll turn 36 next month, does serve a purpose, especially in practice. That's why the Sixers signed the 7-foot, 240-pounder."

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