The Sixer Sense
Fansided

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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Apr 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) in a game against the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center. The Indiana Pacers won 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) in a game against the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center. The Indiana Pacers won 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The Important Uptick

It went unnoticed to many, but there was a breath of huge life on the roster of the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2015-2016 season.  In his last four games of the 2016 season, “Lord” Covington averaged 25 points per game, 7 rebounds per game, and 2 assists per game.  Embedded in that short span was a huge game against the Brooklyn Nets:  30 points, 11 rebounds and made 7 of 13 three pointers. It was his seventh double-double of the year.

The roster of the Philadelphia 76ers going into the 2016-2016 is still in flux right now, but even if the season started today, there would be one huge difference.

The presumptive stars on the basketball court would be either Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid.  Either of the two players will draw the attention of the opposing teams defense.  In that scenario, Covington will get clean looks at the basket and will feast.

Covington is a rare find in the NBA: a long, 6-9 wing who can shoot from deep and who doesn’t cost much. In fact, the Philadelphia 76ers have Covington at a bargain price for two more years.  If you’ve noticed, virtually any NBA team in trade talks with the Philadelphia 76ers will request Covington to be included to “sweeten the deal”.  Thankfully, the Philadelphia 76ers have resisted.

"“What I’ve learned is when you don’t have him you appreciate what he can do for us. He does more than just make threes. His ability to guard has improved and his ability to guard someone like Jabari (Parker) in small ball has improved.” —Brett Brown"

Brown has been working with Covington to develop him as a premier two-way player. At times, the results were obvious. His rebounds jumped up to 6.3 per game, while his steals per game rose to 1.6.  He’s even improved his shot blocking ability from .4 to .6 blocks per game.

And he’ll improve even more rapidly this season.

Next: Trajectory