Sixers president Billy King isn’t giving up any of his big men any time soon and with good reason – they’re hard to come by.

Washington would like to add one because Etan Thomas is likely out for the season, and other teams are searching as well.

The Sixers might be in that mix before long is Samuel Dalembert’s stress fracture prevents him from playing once the regular season begins. Dalembert is sitting out for now, a move that he and the team say is pretty much precautionary. But we’ve been down this path with Sam before and he doesn’t deal well with playing in pain. He might do it, but it will be on his mind the whole time he’s out there and he’ll be worrying that he can do more damage. And an unfocused Sam isn’t a good thing.

When he’s at the top of his game, Dalembert is an intriguing player. We’ve seen that player at times – blocking shots, rebounding, running the floor with abandon. Then there’s the Sam who picks up four or five fouls quickly, often by doing things, like going over the back, that high school players know not to do.

Despite the flaws in his game, he’s vital to whatever chance the Sixers have to win games this year, if only because the alternatives don’t appear good. Jason Smith is big and athletic, but he’s not accustomed to playing center and he’s not an inside banger. Herbert Hill, although a bit smaller, might be an option, but he’s a rookie, too, and a late second-round pick rookie at that. (Not that that necessarily matters – Ben Wallace was never drafted at all). Then there’s Calvin Booth, signed to be Dalembert’s backup, but looking closer to retirement than being a serviceable NBA center, at least in the preseason.

So, maybe the Sixers are right and Dalembert will be fine to start the season. Or maybe they’re indulging in wishful thinking. We’ll know when the ball goes up Oct. 31 in Toronto.