The Philadelphia 76ers still have one more preseason game left to decide what their rotation is going to look like this season, but it appears that Jabari Walker is poised to give the coaching staff a decision which they probably did not expect to make at this point in time. The 24-year-old has been the most reliable big man for the team in training camp, and that backup center position is most likely his to lose now.
Most people expected Ariel Hukporti, Adem Bona, and Dominick Barlow to duke it out for the right to be Joel Embiid's primary backup for the 76ers this season, with Walker as a mere emergency option. As it turns out, that couldn't be any more wrong, as circumstances have pushed the otherwise undersized big man to the top of the pecking order as the coaches try to carve out a well-rounded rotation to start their campaign.
Jabari Walker is the early surprise the 76ers probably did not expect
What makes this development even more surprising is the fact that, unlike his counterparts on the roster, Walker is actually on a non-guaranteed deal until early January. The front office could have easily parted ways with him this summer and in camp, but now that is obviously a senseless thought piece given how he has fared so far.
He has appeared in all three preseason outings so far, averaging 11 points and eight rebounds a night. More interestingly, he has upped his three-point volume and accuracy, draining five of his 13 triples during that span and looking quite confident hoisting it up from deep compared to last season.
In view of how the roster is constructed, more rebounding and three-point shooting would certainly be welcome. Of course, that plays into Walker's bid for more playing time as he precisely brings those two things to the board as one of the best rebounders on the squad and a more willing shooter from rainbow country.
Barring anything drastic, the 76ers are probably going to roll with Jabari Walker as their backup center to start the regular season. While that may not be the case all year long, the young big man has definitely made a strong case for a bigger role and more playing time. The team has more direct options to man such a crucial role, but players should only be judged for what they have shown so far, and what he has displayed has been impressive.
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