The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Robert Covington is team’s enforcer

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 13: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after being called for a foul in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pacers defeated the 76ers 101-98. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 13: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after being called for a foul in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pacers defeated the 76ers 101-98. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 13: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after being called for a foul in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pacers defeated the 76ers 101-98. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 13: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after being called for a foul in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pacers defeated the 76ers 101-98. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Wing defender plus

In the process, Covington’s offense did not improve. His points-per-game sustained in a narrow band between 12 and 13 points. But each year, he contributed fewer, but more accurate shots. Where he made great strides was his defense. The area Coach Brett Brown needed desperately to arrive to his team began to take shape.

With the basket well defended by the presence of center Joel Embiid, Brown knew he needed an enforcer to disrupt perimeter shooting. Robert Covington learned to soar in that role

With those pieces in place, the team has successfully added perimeter shooting. Now the team roster is set.

Covington gets tough draw

When the Philadelphia 76ers plan their scheme, it’s typically Robert Covington who gets the toughest defensive assignment. And it’s that focus on neutralizing the opposing team’s best player which has suppressed his offensive impact. Don’t look for that to change in the NBA Playoffs.

Next: 5 reasons Philadelphia 76ers defeat Miami Heat in round one

But Covington is up to the job. As the playoffs develop, he will likely draw the defensive assignment to the Heat’s best perimeter shooter. In the opener, I expect him to focus upon Heat starting small forward Josh Richardson. Richardson shoots over four treys a game, and has a respectable 37.8 percent accuracy. Should any Heat player begin to score points, I wouldn’t be surprised to witness defensive assignments change mid game. For the Philadelphia 76ers to win, they need great defense. And that is what Robert Covington has trained himself to do these past four year.s.