Like T.J. McConnell, Robert Covington came into the league as an undrafted free agent. Playing his college ball at Tennessee State, Covington was picked up Daryl Morey — Sam Hinkie’s mentor with the Houston Rockets– for his rookie season in 2013-14.
After playing in just seven games as a rookie, Covington joined the Sixers in year two. He played in 70 games that season, starting in 49 and averaging 13.5 points per game. That remains a career high to this day.
Despite obvious limitations on offense — ball handling and finishing — Covington quickly became a valuable 3-and-D asset for the rebuilding Sixers. Now, he’s on a team-friendly extension and one of the NBA’s 50 best players.
He made first team All-Defense last season, beating out several talented two-way wings for that honor. He’s also a career 35.8 percent three-point shooter, providing valuable spacing around the Sixers’ core.
Aside from Joel Embiid, Covington might be Hinkie’s greatest find — a virtual nobody who turned into an elite role player. He’s currently the Sixers’ third-best player and is primed for another strong season on both ends.
Brett Brown’s team has always been focused on defense, pace and space. Covington checks every box, and has since his Sixers career began. On the national stage, he’s one of “The Process'” most underrated acquisitions.