The Philadelphia 76ers announced that due to forward Andres Nocioni's injured left ankle, the team has advised him to withdraw from the upcoming FIBA World Championships, effective immediately.

The MRI of Nocioni's left ankle was reviewed by Dr. Jack McPhilemy of Main Line Health Services, who recommended that Nocioni stop all basketball and impact activity until the team opens Training Camp at the end of September, at which time he will be re-evaluated.

Upon Nocioni's return to Philadelphia, another MRI will be taken of his left ankle.

Andres Nocioni is expected to play for Argentina against Germany on Saturday in its opening game of the World Championships in Turkey.

Nocioni has been recovering from a left ankle sprain suffered on July 31 and didn't play in his country's final exhibition against Turkey.

"I came out as a precaution," Nocioni told a newspaper in Argentina.

"He told me [last] Saturday that he was feeling much better, and that he hoped to be ready for the game against Germany," Philadelphia coach Doug Collins said.

"He assured me that he wouldn't do anything to hurt his ability to play for us this season. I'm counting on him to use good judgment."

Evan Turner has signed a multi-year deal with Chinese shoe manufacturer Li-Ning.

Turner will begin appearing immediately in the company's global marketing and will wear Li-Ning as a rookie. He will have his own branded sneaker and apparel in the second year of the deal.

CNBC first reported the contract.

"This is truly a game-changing moment for the Li-Ning brand," Brian Cupps, Li-Ning's brand initiative director for basketball, said in a statement. "Adding a supreme young talent like Evan Turner sends a message to the global basketball community that Li-Ning basketball is committed to being a player on the global stage."

Elton Brand has been in regular communication with new head coach Doug Collins this offseason.

Brand also came to Philadelphia two weeks ago to work out with strength and conditioning coach Jesse Wright.

"He had a great workout," Collins said. "More importantly, he weighed 255. That's the weight I want him. I said, 'Elton, I'd like to see you at 255.' Here it is early August at 255. It's going to take all that stress off his legs. To me, that's an incredibly positive sign to what Elton would like to see happen this year."

Brand weighed in the mid-260s last season, when he averaged career-lows in scoring, rebounding and minutes.

"I've talked to Elton numerous times on the phone and we've texted," Collins said. "He's in shape and his legs feel good. He feels like he's getting more lift. In his words, 'I'm ready to go.' "

Brand has three years and $51 million remaining on his contract.

Rod Thorn was introduced as the new president of the 76ers on Thursday.

He stepped down from the same position with the Nets on July 16.

"After my last day with the Nets, sometime in the next 7-to-10 days, I got a call from [Sixers chairman] Ed Snider and the way it was laid out, I saw it as a good opportunity," said Thorn, who insisted that he has no problems with Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, New Jersey's new owner.

"None. I think Mikhail Prokhorov is going to be a great owner," Thorn said. "Over the course of time, there's an accumulation of things, not any one thing, any one reason. I truly enjoyed most of my time with the Nets. But sometimes, you get the feeling it's time to go. I had it before this opportunity came up."

Thorn had a "lucrative offer" to stay from Prokhorov, who also has insisted no friction existed.

Rumors have remained persistent that Thorn wasn't comfortable with the changes with the Nets and/or the length of the contract.

The Philadelphia 76ers today named Rod Thorn, an NBA veteran of more than four decades, as the team?s new President. Ed Stefanski, who had served as the team's President and General Manager since December 4, 2007, will continue in his role as General Manager.

"Rod is one of the most respected basketball minds in the game today," said Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider. "When we learned that he would not be re-signing with the Nets, we realized that this would be a terrific opportunity to bring one of the top executives in the NBA to the Sixers to work closely with Ed Stefanski. I'm really pleased to be adding him to our organization. I'm confident that Rod will be a tremendous asset for our team and I?m really looking forward to working with him."

"We felt with the direction we are now heading that it was important for us to have two very strong basketball minds leading the Philadelphia 76ers," said Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko. "We are building a strong organization and we're off to a terrific start with the addition of Coach Doug Collins, the best available coach, and Evan Turner, who we feel was the best available player in the draft. Now we have added another top-level executive to help lead us into the future."

"This is a great opportunity to join one of the most-storied franchises in the NBA," said Thorn. "I look forward to once again working with Ed Stefanski and helping Ed Snider and Peter Luukko build a championship team here in Philadelphia."

Willie Green is expected to see less time on the floor this season with the addition of rookie Evan Turner and swingman Andres Nocioni.

Green is used to playing different roles and appears ready to embrace whatever new coach Doug Collins has planned for him.

"For me, it's been a different challenge almost every year, and this season will be the same," he said.

"I'm flexible and have been throughout my career. I've done whatever has been asked and will do the same this season. I'm looking to be better this year than I was last year. I appreciate so much being able to play in one city for my whole career. I realize how rare that is. I will do whatever is asked of me and do it the best I can. Whether I get a lot of minutes or not, I'll give it my all, just like I always have."

Evan Turner struggled mightily in the Orlando Summer League and says that getting his "butt kicked" was "an eye-opener" for him.

Turner appeared to struggled from a lack of conditioning in Orlando and got frustrated as the week went on.

"I've been playing pretty much every day against good competition," Turner said.

"It was really an eye-opener for me to get my butt kicked, but it was also a good thing, I think. That hasn't happened to me in a really long time, so it made me realize how much harder I had to work to get myself ready for training camp. I can't wait to get started and play with my new teammates and learn from them, and get ready for the season."