Philadelphia 76ers: Robert Covington has carved out a nice niche in Philly

Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid get all the love, but Robert Covington has carved out a nice niche with the Philadelphia 76ers

From an undrafted player in 2013 to the D-League Rookie of the Year in 2014 to a four-year, $62 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017; Robert Covington has been able to carve out a specific niche in the NBA through his hard work, determination, and his production.

Still only 26 years of age, Covington has become an instrumental part of the Sixers’ young core. So far this season, Covington has career highs in points (14.9), field goal percentage (45.3), assists (1.7), and 3-point percentage (42.5).

He is having a career year, but what has made him so effective in the league is that he is the ideal 3-and-D player. At 6-foot-9, he has terrific size as a small forward, can guard multiple positions, can disrupt passing lanes, and can lock down top-tier offensive weapons.

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Covington is so impressive because he always seems to be one of the top small forwards when it comes to DRPM (Defensive Real Plus-Minus). In the 2015-16 season, Covington was third among small forwards in DRPM, only trailing Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James.

Last season, he ranked first among all small forwards, and so far this season, he is number one again.

Not everyone is going to be a superstar in the NBA like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, James Harden, and others. However, Covington is a prime example of playing to your strengths, sharpening those strengths, and constant perseverance.

In Covington’s case, he has focused on his perimeter defense and perimeter shooting, and has become and elite 3-and-D player in the league. It is also about taking advantage of the opportunity that is given to you.

Philadelphia gave him a chance, and he took the absolute most out of it. To be honest, his contract doesn’t even equate to his value. The Sixers got a steal here. Covington also leads all small forwards this season in Real Plus-Minus (fourth overall in the NBA), and is third among small forwards in wins (only trailing Lebron James and Paul George).

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Rightfully so, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons get most of the hype in Philadelphia, but Robert Covington deserves to be in that conversation as well. He is a focal part in the resurgence of the Philadelphia 76ers’ franchise. What he does on the court in 31 minutes per game is spectacular.