The Sixer Sense
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Robert Covington has been the definition of an elite role player

By Christopher Kline

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on while there's a break in the action against the Sacramento Kings during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on November 9, 2017 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on while there's a break in the action against the Sacramento Kings during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on November 9, 2017 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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With another strong performance on his resume, Robert Covington is quickly justifying all the hype from Philadelphia 76ers fans this preseason.

When we here at TSS released our staff player rankings before the season, some questioned Robert Covington’s placement at No. 3. How can somebody that limited on offense go ahead of J.J. Redick and Markelle Fultz?

Fast forward 13 games into the year, and you’d be foolish not to have him third. Covington’s not only improving his offense, but continuing to play elite defense for a Sixers team that has found ample success on both ends of the floor.

At this time last year, there were legitimate questions about Covington’s future as well. He was struggling from the field, and heard more boos than cheers at every home game. Those shooting woes are long gone.

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Covington isn’t just improving his offense. He’s thriving. The added pressure that Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid put on defenses has allowed Covington to work his way into more open looks on the perimeter, while his confidence has skyrocketed. It’s that confidence that seems to be the driving force behind his ascension.

Even with more offensive talent around him, Covington is averaging 16.8 points per game — a total that would trump his previous career-high by a sizable margin. That comes with the added efficiency, as he’s hitting a clean 50 percent from deep. That’s obviously not sustainable, but his improvement is undeniable.

Covington isn’t only better than Andrew Wiggins, he’s quickly earning his spot amongst the league’s best small forwards. Not many players can play both sides of the ball as well as he can, and that’s something that teams value immensely nowadays.

That leads me to one term that’s common amongst all basketball conversationalists: role player. You hear those words thrown around quite a bit, and in multiple different settings. But other than “not a star,” you’re seldom given a definition for what exactly role player means.

Covington might be our best example.

He’s a player of importance for a competitive team, but his skill set fits the complimentary role that almost always gets associated with that phrase. He’s 3-and-D on steroids, and plays off of the team’s stars in a way that increases both his success and the success of those around him.

Even operating primarily as a spot-up shooter, Covington has six 20-plus point games this season — topping out at 31 in Monday night’s win over the Clippers. Oh, and the Sixers are 17.9 points better when he’s on the floor.

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That’s star-level impact from someone who doesn’t impact the game like your typical star. He’s a role player — and an elite one at that.