Robert Covington is a divisive player around these parts.
His detractors will bring up his maddeningly streaky shot and inability to put the ball on the floor. His staunchest defenders will point to his defense and his ability to get deflections which interrupt another team’s offensive flow.
No matter what side of the fence you’re on, there’s one undeniable truth: Robert Covington is a legitimate NBA player.
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Sure, the feelings are raw after losing to the Celtics in five games. And Covington wasn’t great. He struggled on both sides of the floor in Game 1. His poor shooting performance wasn’t a surprise, but his defensive lapses certainly were. He returned in Game 2 with a vengeance, shooting 4 of 7 from three for 22 points and was seemingly everywhere on the floor on defense (two steals, two blocks).
As Brad Stevens did all series to the entire Sixers roster, he adjusted to Covington. He told his defenders to get right in Covington’s grill, forcing Cov to put the ball on the floor. The results … weren’t great and eventually led to Covington's removal from the starting lineup in favor of T.J. McConnell.
And therein lies the issue with Covington. He’s a streaky shooter and that may never change. What the five-year veteran needs to do is diversify his game offensively. He said as much in his last media availability.
“This summer, I’m going to focus on ball handling, quickness, explosion, finishing at the rim. My trainers already have a game plan.”
NBA
When asked about his playoff performance, Covington said, "it was just OK." He knows he has deficiencies and he’s looking to work on them. Certainly, there’s no guarantee he’ll ever improve in these areas, but he’s taking the necessary steps. He doesn’t need to be LeBron James on drives, but the threat will open so much more for Covington and the Sixers.
Aside from skill set, people will bring up Covington's contract, but his deal really isn’t that bad. Before the free-agent market even opens up, Covington will be the 23rd-highest paid small forward and the 48th-highest paid swingman in the entire league, according to Spotrac. Wing players like DeMarre Carroll, Solomon Hill, Iman Shumpert, Alec Burks, J.R. Smith, Allen Crabbe, Tyler Johnson and Nicolas Batum will all make more money than Covington next year.
Even if he’s peaked, Covington is being paid among the lowest quarter of starting wing players in the NBA. Not bad for a guy who will likely be recognized for one of the NBA’s all-defensive teams.
Covington will continue to get crushed by fans, but the fact is he went from an undrafted, D-League player to a starter on a 52-win team. He has the type of background and story Philadelphia fans should fall in love with. He’s also a defensive-minded player that has never seen a lapse in hustle.
Covington will look to improve this offseason, but the fact is, he’s already a bona fide NBA player.