Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PA. – NOVEMBER 15, 2014 – The Philadelphia 76ers announced today the team has signed free agent forward Robert Covington. Covington, who was the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Development League Draft by the Grand Rapids Drive, is the fifth GATORADE Call-Up of the 2014-15 D-League season. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.
As a rookie last season, Covington saw action in seven games for the Houston Rockets while spending most of his time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the D-League. In 42 games (41 starts) for the Vipers, Covington averaged 23 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.4 blocks in 34 minutes per game while also averaging 3.2 3-pointers made on 37.0% shooting.
In addition to being named the 2014 NBA D-League Rookie of the Year, Covington also earned D-League First Team honors and won the MVP award at the D-League All-Star game after scoring a record 33 points in helping his team to victory.
Covington was eligible for the 2013 NBA Draft following a standout four-year career at Tennessee State. He earned Second Team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors as a senior and a sophomore and First Team distinction as a junior.
In a related move, the Sixers waived Chris Johnson.
Robert Covington was the D League’s Rookie of the Year last season. Photo credit – Philadelphia 76ers
