Morning Sixers – February 21st, 2017

“With so much buzz around the team and the trade deadline, do you see the Sixers holding on to Covington? Do you see him here next year? Also, a possible extension? Would he still qualify for the RFA after next year?”

— Jeffrey

I think Covington is a player Brett Brown has really grown to appreciate over time. For as much as his shooting (and shooting in general) came be maddeningly inconsistent at times (although, at 38% on 129 attempts in 2017, he’s in the middle of his typical second-half surge), Covington has become a real stabilizing presence on the defensive side of the court, and Brown really relies on him quite a bit.

I also think new Sixers management has grown to become Covington fans over time. Where there might have been some uncertainty when they arrived I think he’s now part of their future plans going forward. So, unless his inclusion in a major deal is absolutely required by another team, I think there’s a very high chance he’s here beyond the deadline.

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