NBA - Sports Rumors

Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:06 am EDT

Ratliff returns to Sixers

By Joe Zedalis

Theo Ratliff

Getty Images

Theo Ratliff is back. The Philadelphia 76ers officially announced the signing of the 6-foot-10 center-forward, who first played with the Sixers from 1997 to 2001. Per team policy, the Sixers would not disclose terms of the deal, but a source has said Ratliff, 35, signed a one-year contract for the veteran minimum, about $1.4 million.

The source said Ratliff had other offers on the table but preferred returning to Philly.

This signing appears to be the final move of a hectic summer for Sixers president and general manager Ed Stefanski, who was forced to take this final step when backup center Jason Smith tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee early last week.

"We are very fortunate to sign a player of Theo's caliber," Stefanski said. "He is a consummate professional, both on the court and off, who will provide us with additional depth in the frontcourt while also serving as a mentor to some of our younger players."

Ratliff has played 13 NBA seasons, for six teams, and has averaged 7.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. Last season, he played with the Detroit Pistons.

Source: Philly.comNew Window

digg delicious
more

56 Comments

Post a Comment
  1. Brian K
    1. Posted by Brian K Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:13 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Welcome Back THEO!!!
  2. Lights Out
    2. Posted by Lights Out Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:19 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Big deal!!!
  3. maher m
    3. Posted by maher m Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:03 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    he sucks
  4. philiafan14364
    4. Posted by philiafan14364 Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:09 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Haha, he COULD have been good, 10 years ago.
  5. Pokey
    5. Posted by Pokey Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:19 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    So what!!!! this dude is a has been!!!! sixers will make a little noise this year with brand and company. but ratliff is just a name of the past. he probably get some garbage time in a blow out game. duck......quack quack!!!
  6. pinkizdead@...
    6. Posted by pinkizdead@... Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:12 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    they should have gotten a sharpshooter....
  7. Wil J
    7. Posted by Wil J Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:40 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    This guy continues to seal money from a different team every year. I wonder how long it will be before he is on the DL?
  8. ME
    8. Posted by ME Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:51 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Elton Brand is going to hurt himself
    glad he didn't take the warriors money
  9. ME
    9. Posted by ME Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:51 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Elton Brand is going to hurt himself
    glad he didn't take the warriors money
  10. Copeman Blvd.
    10. Posted by Copeman Blvd. Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:14 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    averaged 7.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. Sorry Azz Sixers need him.
  11. HarryApe
    11. Posted by HarryApe Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:11 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    jeeze not a big deal
  12. Vince S
    12. Posted by Vince S Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:22 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    if he's a guy who will only get 10 minutes a game, than this is a good move. Hopefully no one has delusions of him being an impact player.
  13. Sleock
    13. Posted by Sleock Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:27 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Good signing. Sixers able to bring in a veteran guy to come off the bench, a big body that will give them 10 minutes a game to help rest Brand and Dalembert while still being a defensive presence.
    7.9 PPG, 6.1 RBG, and 2.6 Blocks per game... playing only 27 minutes a game. One of the Sixers biggest problems last year was how to plug the defensive lane when Dalembert wasn't in the game. Ratliff does just that.
  14. Trouble$ome
    14. Posted by Trouble$ome Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:58 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    im glad heh outta detroit
    another washed up uotta boat
    rasheed next n chance
  15. mathieu y
    15. Posted by mathieu y Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:32 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    this isnt even a rumour, it happened.... yahoo your rumours stink!
  16. phillyroni12
    16. Posted by phillyroni12 Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:10 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    you guys (most of you) are goofy,, Thoe doesn't have to be super ,, just clog up the middle and rebound for 10 - 15 minutes per game,, if you watched him in Detroit last year he can still do those things.
    Good Move Eddie,, you are a real GM,, finally one in this town
  17. Dan S
    17. Posted by Dan S Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:33 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Come on guys there are more ways to win games than numbers. Theo is probably one of the best defensive players in the game is often over looked for that. 2.6 blocks a game over his career who does that anymore? Ben Wallace does that as does Marcus Camby. This guy wears his heart on his sleeve and its too bad he didnt return to Detroit where defense is appreciated. But Joe D got a good pick up with Kwame Brown as he has been a bust every where he has gone and he said he is finally ready to live up to the hype because he isnt looked at to lead the team. No player should be looked at like that in my opinion because thats where they loose focus. But nice pick up 76ers now prove you can win.
  18. tju231
    18. Posted by tju231 Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:12 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Holy pay cut, Batman! Just a couple of seasons ago the Rattler was hauling in $14 Million or so? Now just a paltry $1M. How is he gonna feed his kids with that?
    I know he's (way) past his prime, but if he can focus on rebounding and post defense, Theo may still prove valuable.
  19. knownaim
    19. Posted by knownaim Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:53 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    so, this is just a rumor.
  20. NBAFAN4EVER
    20. Posted by NBAFAN4EVER Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:02 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    he's a real good player and will be a good fit for 76ers but i wish he would've came to l.a instead i think he's better than chris mihm lolz.
  21. GregP
    21. Posted by GregP Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:13 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Great news for the Pistons. He couldn't hit a five footer in the playoffs last year to save his life! Good for a block a game and a useless post player. Retire.
  22. Josh
    22. Posted by Josh Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:39 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Go pokes!
  23. zman1201
    23. Posted by zman1201 Thu Sep 03, 2009 11:01 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Ratliff is an old bum that stinks. Plain and simple. He can't even play defense anymore and looks as slow as 45 year old Kevin Willis out there. Do yourself an enormus favor and hit the social security line early bud.
  24. McJeltz
    24. Posted by McJeltz Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:10 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    he did great for the sixers and will help them again. if you add him to the chemistry they developed late last year with brand the sixers are dangerous
  25. sonic f l
    25. Posted by sonic f l Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:44 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    as far as a defensive presence goes he will fit the bill 10 mins a game just makein people watch there back thats great plus a great character guy

Sports Rumors

Add to My Yahoo! RSS

More Rumors

Teams

Customize to follow news and rumors on your favorite teams. [ Sign in ]