PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday released guards Jim Les and Frank Ross and placed two other players on the suspended list because they do not have work permits.
Center Hansi Gnad, a native of West Germany, and forward Andrew Kennedy, from Jamaica, have not yet obtained the proper permits to work in the United States, Philadelphia General Manager John Nash said.
Gnad, who was a third-round draft choice out of Alaska-Anchorage, averaged 4 points per game during the preseason. Kennedy, a second-round pick from Virginia, averaged 8.6 points per contest.
Ross, a fifth-round selection from American University, averaged 7.7 points in the preseason and Les, signed as a free agent, averaged 3.1 points.
Nash said Gnad and Kennedy had until Dec. 4 to obtain permits from U.S. immigration officials or they would remain on the suspended list for the rest of the season.
The moves reduced the 76ers' roster to 11, one below the NBA limit. Philadelphia opens the 1987-88 season Friday night against Indiana.
Nash also said the 76ers had withdrawn their latest contract proposal to free-agent forward Cliff Robinson.
Robinson, acquired by the 76ers from the Washington Bullets before last season, averaged 14.8 points and 5.5 rebounds last year. Nash said the 76ers could offer Robinson a one-year contract calling for him to receive the same salary as last season. That offer must be made by Nov. 11 and Robinson would have 15 days to accept or reject the offer.
If he rejects the offer, Robinson could not sign an offer sheet with another team for the rest of the season, Nash said.
