Sixers sign Robert Covington, waive Chris Johnson
The Philadelphia 76ers signed free agent forward Robert Covington today. The first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Development League Draft by the Grand Rapids Drive, Covington is the fifth D-League to NBA “Call-Up” of the 2014-15 D-League season.
In a related move, the Sixers waived Chris Johnson.
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.
