The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers’ Robert Covington Break Out Season

By Bret Stuter

Apr 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) makes a three point shot past the outstretched hand of Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) makes a three point shot past the outstretched hand of Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Robert Covington is poised for a break out season

He is known affectionately as “Lord” Covington by the fans of the Philadelphia 76ers, a nickname which has no reference to airs of royalty, nobility or superiority.  You see, he is a “lord” of the court, the basketball court.  He reigns over the gym , “rules” it, when he steps foot onto it.

There are only two players who are 25 years old and are entering their third season or more as a Philadelphia 76er – Hollis Thompson and Robert Covington.  Of these two, only Covington has averaged over 10 points a game as a player for the Philadelphia 76ers.

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Like it or not, he’s one of the team’s leaders.  Personally?  I like it.  You see, Robert Covington was overlooked in the 2013 NBA draft, overlooked in the fact that he ended up undrafted by the team.

But not unnoticed.  In fact, his play made such an impression on Sam Hinkie, that Covington’s signing by the team was the sole regret of the former general manager – not because it happened – but because the signing occurred 17 months afterwards.

There was good reason for that impression.  Robert Covington has the tools to evolve into a major player in this NBA.  He commands excellent versatility, he can play up to the power forward position on a small ball lineup, or can settle in at the shooting guard role.  He works the boards as well as he can for his position, and he can be a staunch defender or a prolific scorer – depending on the game situation and the needs at the moment.

But now, in the doorway of the 2016-2017 season, while all eyes turn to the busload of new rookie talent arriving to the team in the form of Ben Simmons and rehabilitated Joel Embiid, the media has overlooked the player who may be the most important factor going into this new season:

Robert Covington

Next: Long and Windy Road