Forward Robert Covington is least well-known top draft pick on the Philadelphia 76ers untested but star-laden roster. That’s because Covington was the #1 overall pick in the NBA Developmental League draft. Covington made the NBA before ever playing a game with the Grand Rapids team that drafted him — and he has been a starter for the struggling 76ers in recent years. Philly fans love Covington, who hit the ground running and who can get hot. He’s capable of 29-point games, like his 2016 career high effort against the Kings, in which he drained seven 3-pointers. Sixers fans hold up “Bobby Buckets” signs in the stands.
Now with Markelle Fultz joining Ben Simmons, Dario Saric and Joel Embid (who looks like the second coming of Olajuwon or Chamberlain some nights), Covington is looking to play well for a playoff contender instead of just an also-ran. He should get better shots, if fewer of them, surrounded by all the new 76ers talent — the result of Philly’s famous “The Process.” The better shots should help him raise his FG% — a necessary improvement if he’s going to continue to thrive in the NBA. Though Covington has a good stroke, proven out by his 80% free throw shooting, he has never averaged above 40% shooting in his three years in Philly. He’s got a career .393 FG%.
