Phillip Wheeler returns to Maine after stint with 76ers

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Phillip Wheeler has signed with the Maine Celtics ahead of Sunday's Eastern Conference title game against the Osceola Magic. Wheeler most recently played with the Philadelphia 76ers on a 10-Day NBA Contract.

Wheeler agreed to a 10-day contract with Philadelphia on March 26th, becoming the 23rd GATORADE NBA Call-Up in franchise history. He was the second Maine Celtic to earn a Call-Up this season. Wheeler played five games in 10 days with the 76ers, averaging 1.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 8.8 minutes per game. Wheeler recorded 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 15 minutes of play during his NBA debut on March 26th against the Washington Wizards. He scored 4 points again on March 30th against Toronto.

Wheeler joined the Maine Celtics on March 7th via a trade with the Texas Legends. In six games with Maine, Wheeler has averaged 10.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.7 steals in 19.9 minutes per game. Wheeler is shooting 54.5% from the floor for Maine and most recently contributed 20 points off the bench for the Celtics in a 117-99 victory over the Delaware Blue Coats, the NBA G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Wheeler is the second Maine Celtic to earn an NBA Call-Up this season. In January, Ron Harper Jr. agreed to a Two-Way contract with the Detroit Pistons, becoming the first Maine player to earn a GATORADE Call-Up to the NBA since Luka Šamanić during the 2022-23 season.

Wheeler is a four-year G League veteran, having played for Mexico City, Rio Grande Valley, Iowa, and Texas. Prior to joining Maine this season, Wheeler played 32 games for the Legends, averaging 16.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Wheeler has surpassed 30 points twice this season, including a career-high 35 points vs. Mexico City on Feb. 8.

The Maine Celtics play the Osceola Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday, April 6th at 7 p.m. down in Florida. The game will broadcast live on ESPNU.