Predicting NBA 2K19 ratings for every Sixers player

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY - JULY 7: An overhead view of the studio during the game between Pacers Gaming and 76ers Gaming Club on July 7, 2018 at the NBA 2K League Studio Powered by Intel in Long Island City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY - JULY 7: An overhead view of the studio during the game between Pacers Gaming and 76ers Gaming Club on July 7, 2018 at the NBA 2K League Studio Powered by Intel in Long Island City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Robert Covington: 80

Covington remains one of the best cost-effective wings in the NBA. His poor playoff run led many to forget just how impactful he was during the regular season. Making first team All-Defense, you could argue that Covington, not Embiid, put together the best campaign on that side of the ball.

At 6-foot-8, Covington can switch around the floor with ease. His combination of length and instincts makes him a deflection magnet, while weak-side shot blocking has been an underrated skill of his. He averaged almost a block per contest last season.

There are definite holes in Covington’s offensive skill set. His ball-handling is primitive and his finishing, at times, is even worse. For somebody who’s so effective as a spot-up shooter, he needs to become more competent attacking closeouts and scoring at the rim.

Covington would also benefit from being more active off the ball, especially as a cutter. His athletic tools made him an effective cutter last season, even without elite finishing touch. He just needs to commit to finding those open pockets and making strong moves to the rim, allowing Simmons and Embiid to reward him.

With all that said, Covington is an elite wing defender with range well beyond the three-point line. He’s the ultimate three-and-D role player, and that has a ton of value in today’s NBA. 2K should, and likely will, recognize that.