Undrafted 76ers gem makes huge statement in unexpected Summer League dub

It’s been two years since the Philadelphia 76ers kept their own draft picks. The Summer League is a showcase where players entering their second and third seasons standout against the competition showing their readiness for an increased role. Without recent draft selections, there were no players to be excited about except for the incoming rookie class.

But don’t tell that to Ricky Council IV. Going undrafted last season, he signed a two-way contract with Philadelphia last summer and seized his opportunity playing well enough to convert his deal into a regular contract in April of this year. 

Depth is a genuine concern for the 76ers heading into the season, but Council IV may serve as a solution to the team’s perceived problem. There are faults to his game. He is a questionable decision maker and an inefficient shooter, but he is explosive athlete and absolutely fearless. He is active on defense, a blur in transition, and a violent rim attacker.

Ricky Council IV has been a standout for the Philadelphia 76ers in Summer League

Council IV has been the leader of Philadelphia’s Summer League roster. Altogether, in Utah and Las Vegas, he has averaged 28 minutes, 18.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.9 turnovers per game while shooting 40 percent from the field and 84.3 percent from the free throw line. Impressively, he earned 7.3 free throws per contest.

Throughout the summer, he competed against other rosters filled with first round picks from past seasons, and he held his own. He led the 76ers to a winning record and left the door open for an outside shot to secure the final spot in the Summer League playoffs. Doing so by leading the way scoring 20 points against the erstwhile undefeated San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.

That was an impressive feat for an undrafted player and a promising development for a roster absent of recent draft selections to fill larger roles. Finding an undrafted contributor brings back memories of Robert Covington. 

By no means was Council IV perfect during the Summer League, but he consistently played to his strengths utilizing his athleticism to explode by his opponents on a regular basis. He provided countless highlights flying high above the rim. Now, he can use this momentum heading into training camp.

Last season, he saw his first action in January and played in a limited role for a total of 32 games before sitting out in the playoffs. Based on how his Summer League has gone, an increased role is warranted. How much he plays, may be determined on a night-to-night basis.

Obviously, on a roster consisting of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, he will not be asked to lead the offense like he was asked to do during the summer. His shooting inefficiency will be subdued by his decreased usage, but his burst of energy will give the 76ers a change of pace to keep defenses on their heels.