Robert Covington, born on December 14, 1990, is an accomplished American professional basketball player renowned for his defensive prowess. Covington currently dons the No. 33 jersey as a small forward/power forward for the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Early Life:
Covington, a native of Bellwood, Illinois, attended Proviso West High School in Hillside, where his basketball journey began. As a senior in 2008–09, he showcased his skills, averaging an impressive 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 blocks per game. Covington’s stellar performance earned him accolades, including the West Suburban Conference Player of the Year.
College Career:
Transitioning to collegiate play, Covington played for the Tennessee State Tigers from 2009 to 2013. In his freshman season, he was recognized on the Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer team and earned Mid-Major Freshman All-America honors. His sophomore year showcased his versatility, leading the team in rebounds, field goal percentage, and three-point shooting. Covington’s contributions earned him second-team All-OVC and NABC Division I All-District 19 honors.
Covington’s junior season solidified his status as a standout player, garnering first-team All-OVC honors and sharing the CollegeInsider.com OVC co-MVP title in 2011–12. His senior year, despite battling injury, saw him earn second-team All-OVC honors for the second time, finishing his college career ranked seventh in both scoring and rebounding in Tennessee State’s history.
Professional Career:
Undrafted in the 2013 NBA draft, Covington joined the Houston Rockets. Despite limited NBA appearances, he made a significant impact in the NBA Development League (NBA D-League), winning the NBA D-League Rookie of the Year in 2014. His time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 23.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game.
Covington’s journey continued with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014, where he signed a reported five-year contract. His notable performances included career-high scoring games and a stellar 2015–16 season, leading the NBA in steals per game. In 2018, Covington was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves and later returned to the Rockets in 2020.
A brief stint with the Portland Trail Blazers from 2020 to 2022 was followed by a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2022. Covington’s remarkable performance on April 1, 2022, saw him achieve a career-high 43 points, setting a Clippers franchise record for three-pointers made in a game. In May 2022, he signed a two-year, $24 million extension with the Clippers.
In a surprising turn of events, Covington returned to the Philadelphia 76ers on November 1, 2023, as part of a trade involving James Harden, P. J. Tucker, and Filip Petrušev.
Career Statistics:
Covington’s consistent contributions are reflected in his career statistics, showcasing his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and all-around impact on the court. From his early days in Houston to his current role with the Clippers, Covington has maintained an average of 11.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game throughout his NBA career.
Personal Life:
Off the court, Covington is the son of Dennis and Teresa Bryant. His personal life includes a relationship with model Amirah Dyme, and as of March 2022, they are anticipating their first child.
Awards and Achievements:
Covington’s outstanding defensive skills have earned him recognition, including being named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2018. His achievements in the NBA G League include being selected as an NBA G League All-Star, NBA G League All-Star Game MVP, and winning the NBA G League Rookie of the Year, all in 2014.
