Will the 76ers’ New 7-Foot-6 Giant Impact the Suns?
Phoenix basketball fans are no strangers to giant-sized matchups at the Footprint Center, and the NBA’s evolving landscape just introduced a new titan to the Eastern Conference. The Philadelphia 76ers recently signed 7-foot-6 center Jamarion Sharp to an Exhibit 10 contract, adding the tallest active professional basketball player to their developmental system. As the Phoenix Suns refine their roster for a highly competitive Western Conference run, this signing highlights the league’s ongoing fascination with extreme interior size and defensive rim protection.
Who Is Jamarion Sharp?
Jamarion Sharp is an imposing physical force who built a national reputation as an elite shot-blocker during his collegiate career at Western Kentucky and Ole Miss. Standing 7-foot-6 with an incredible 8-foot wingspan, Sharp led the entire NCAA in blocked shots for multiple seasons, altering the offensive game plans of opponents whenever he stepped inside the paint. After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, his signing with the 76ers represents a low-risk, high-reward developmental gamble for Philadelphia’s front office as they seek a massive defensive anchor for their G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats.
An Exhibit 10 contract is a specialized one-year, minimum-salary deal that allows NBA franchises to evaluate raw talent during training camp. It gives teams the flexibility to convert the contract into a two-way deal before the regular season begins, or retain the player’s G League rights with a financial incentive. For Sharp, this contract serves as a critical proving ground to demonstrate that his unprecedented height and shot-blocking instincts can translate to the fast-paced, space-heavy style of the modern NBA.
How the Suns Frontcourt Compares to Extreme Size
While Eastern Conference teams continue to experiment with extreme physical outliers, the Phoenix Suns have built a frontcourt focused on playmaking, high-IQ screening, and versatile paint defense. Under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, the Suns will utilize a mix of physical presence and strategic positioning rather than relying on raw, vertical height. The addition of veteran Mason Plumlee alongside starting center Jusuf Nurkić gives the Valley a highly physical rotation capable of neutralizing traditional post players, while rookie Oso Ighodaro provides modern, switchable perimeter defense.
For local context, the Suns possess their own unique length in Bol Bol, who stands 7-foot-3 but plays a highly perimeter-oriented game. Unlike traditional drop-coverage giants who camp in the paint, Bol offers floor-spacing capabilities. The Suns’ offensive philosophy relies on elite spacing, dynamic screen-and-roll actions, and high-volume three-point shooting to force opposing interior anchors out of their comfort zones near the basket.
| Player | Team | Height | Primary Playing Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamarion Sharp | Philadelphia 76ers | 7’6″ | Traditional rim protector, shot-blocker, drop-coverage anchor |
| Jusuf Nurkić | Phoenix Suns | 7’0″ | Physical post defender, elite rebounder, high-post playmaker |
| Bol Bol | Phoenix Suns | 7’3″ | Floor-spacing forward, perimeter shooter, weakside defender |
| Oso Ighodaro | Phoenix Suns | 6’11” | Short-roll playmaker, mobile defender, high-energy finisher |
Tactical Implications for Valley Basketball Fans
For Valley fans watching the Suns’ offensive development, matchup advantages are created by pulling giant rim-protectors away from the rim. Elite mid-range scorers like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant systematically dismantle teams that employ deep drop-coverage defenders. With the offseason additions of point guards Tyus Jones and Monte Morris, the Suns have the high-level playmaking required to quickly manipulate defenses, forcing slow-moving giants into uncomfortable defensive rotations on the perimeter.
What to Watch for in G League Matchups
The most immediate place local fans might witness this signing play out is in G League matchups. With the highly anticipated launch of the Valley Suns, Phoenix’s new expansion G League franchise playing at Mullett Arena in Tempe, local fans have a direct pipeline to watch rising professional talent. If Sharp is waived by the 76ers and joins Delaware, he will likely face the Valley Suns during the upcoming season, offering local basketball enthusiasts an up-close look at how Phoenix’s prospects handle the tallest player in professional basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the 7-foot-6 player the 76ers signed?
The 76ers signed Jamarion Sharp, an undrafted rookie center out of Ole Miss who is currently the tallest active professional player in North America. - Will he play against the Phoenix Suns this season?
It is unlikely he will see significant NBA minutes, but he is highly likely to play against the Suns’ G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, in Tempe. - How does his height compare to Suns player Bol Bol?
Sharp is three inches taller than Bol Bol, but operates strictly as an interior defender, whereas Bol possesses perimeter shooting and guard-like skills. - What is an Exhibit 10 contract?
An Exhibit 10 contract is a non-guaranteed, one-year minimum NBA deal that allows teams to transition players to their G League affiliates with a financial bonus.
Keep a close eye on the G League schedule this winter, as the newly formed Valley Suns at Mullett Arena offer the perfect local opportunity to watch modern basketball strategies neutralize extreme interior size.
Sixers Sign Tallest Active Player Jamarion Sharp
