Sixers big man Brackins signs with club in Israel

76ers big man Craig Brackins has signed with Maccabi Ashdod of the Israeli Basketball Super League.

The contract is for less than the entire season, running only through December, and includes an opt-out clause if the currently locked out NBA resumes play before the contract's conclusion.

Terms of the overseas deal were not known, but Brackins is under contract with the Sixers for $1.4 million this season.

According to Brackins' agent, Andy Miller, the motivating factor in his client's decision to sign with Maccabi was gaining professional playing experience. While other players have hundreds of games under their belts, Brackins needs as much court time as possible.

"We agreed it would help in this period, especially after missing summer league," said Miller, referring to the cancellation of the NBA's typical summer schedule, in which Brackins would have played.

Because of Maccabi's location in a country where English is spoken, and because the roster already includes one of Miller's clients, guard Ramel Bradley, it seemed like an easy transition for Brackins.

Brackins is currently working out with other members of the Sixers in Los Angeles and is expected to leave for Israel in a week to 10 days.