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Robert Covington – The Houston Rockets’ X-Factor
Back when Robert Covington played for the Philadelphia 76ers, players like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons were grabbing all the headlines, while Covington was one underrated aspect of the 76ers nucleus. But, over these past few years, Covington has turned into one of the more underrated talents within the association.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-9, Covington came into the league as a working progress, but has since established himself into a legitimate “3 & D” starting caliber player within the league. As his basketball IQ and three-point shot has improved, Covington has gone from strength in his development, and has transitioned from solid role player to a central figure of everything good for the organization.
The 3 & D specialist will always be welcome on NBA rosters, as their ability to guard the opposition’s best player and be a threat from the outside prove invaluable to the success of their teams.
After being signed by Philly from the D-League in 2014, Covington quickly showed his ability to connect from range, and showed glimpses of being a lockdown defender in the future. He has embraced that defensive mold, and has become one of the league’s elite defenders.
Covington, who plays in Houston now, still remains in the shadow of two superstars – James Harden and Russell Westbrook, but that may be the perfect niche for him. You see, while Westbrook and Harden make all the headlines, Covington was a major factor in the Rockets’ stellar before the NBA season was terminated due to the coronavirus.
Ever since joining Houston, RoCo has averaged 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists/1.1 turnovers, 1.2 steals and 2.5 blocks on 57.3% TS. All that, while often defending much bigger opponents in the paint. Covington not only leads the team in net rating at +12.5, but his defensive impact also shows in a more than impressive stat – With him on the court, the Rockets allow 103.7 points per 100 possession. When he sits, they allow 115.7 points per 100 possessions. Before the termination of the season, his impact was truly unreal, and he has been the exact piece the Rockets were in need of.
If Covington is able to keep up the pace and continue to continuously deliver performances like before the hiatus, he will be the Rockets’ x-factor for the season resumption in Orlando.
Sometimes it’s the unsung heroes, who shine the brightest when it matters most. With him, the Rockets can go into the postseason with a lot of self-confidence.
