Ricky Council IV needs to be apart of the Philadelphia 76ers' future

There's been plenty of storylines for Philadelphia 76ers fans to follow over the course of this season. Starting with James Harden's trade drama to Joel Embiid's historic MVP-level season being tarnished by a long-term injury. With bigger headlines taking precedence, the story of Ricky Council IV can easily be forgotten. Council has not only shined this season, but his play should earn him a long-term spot on the roster.

Council's story starts by not being drafted in the 2023 NBA Draft and signing a two-way deal with the Sixers. He showed flashes on the Summer League team, but it wasn't until he was playing for Philly's G-League team the Delaware Blue Coats that he was really showing his potential. With the Blue Coats during the G-League regular season, he averaged 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 35.0 percent from the 3-point line.

Those are impressive numbers for the 6-foot-6 guard in the G-Leauge, but in limited minutes he's been impressive for the Sixers in the NBA as well. In limited minutes and games, he's averaged 5.9 points and 1.6 rebounds, while converting 48.0 percent of his field goals and 33.0 percent of his 3-pointers. He's played in 26 games this season and in those games, he's scored double digits in seven of them, including a career-high 19 against the Washington Wizards.

At 22 years old, Council can be a key part of Philly's future, and if president of basketball operations Darryl Morey is wise, then he'd sign him to a long-term minimum deal before this season ends. Council's proven he's a solid role player when called upon and entering the playoffs when De'Anthony Melton's health is in question, having Council available could be useful.

Council has proven that he has potential for the future and talent to help now that the Philadelphia 76ers can't ignore, Philly needs to lock him up long-term on a cheap deal before it's too late.