Robert Covington

BIOGRAPHY

Born on December 14, 1990, Robert Covington is an accomplished American professional basketball player whose career spans several years, numerous teams, and various accolades in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He last took to the court professionally for the Philadelphia 76ers and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2018.

The game of basketball fascinated Covington from a young age. He honed his skills in high school, namely at the Proviso West in Hillside, Illinois. It was during this time that he began showcasing his prowess, especially his senior year of 2008-2009 when he averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds, and seven blocks every game. His exceptional performance led him to be named the West Suburban Conference Player of the Year, a testament to his talent.

Deciding to pursue his passion for basketball in college, Covington attended Tennessee State, where he continued to stand out. Throughout his four-year stint, he showcased consistent improvement, both in his skill and game understanding. Covington bagged numerous accolades during his college tenure, including being named to the Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer team, earning second-team All-OVC honors, first-team NABC Division I All-District 19 honors, and the CollegeInsider.com OVC co-MVP.

Upon graduating college, Covington went undrafted in the 2013 NBA draft. Yet, he remained undeterred and was able to secure a spot on the Houston Rockets for the 2013 NBA Summer League. Covington was an immediate sensation, impressing both audiences and experts alike with his skill and dedication. He managed to play seven NBA games in his first season, spend a significant amount of time in the NBA Development League with the Rockets’ affiliate team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Regardless of where he played, he produced strong performances, unequivocally proving that he was a force to be reckoned in the basketball world.

Covington took his talents to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014, where he quickly became a valuable asset. His time with the 76ers brought a host of personal achievements, including career highs in points and steals. His defensive prowess and offensive consistency were crucial in many of the team’s victories. Being an integral part of the team, Covington was later awarded a four-year, $62 million contract extension in 2017 and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2018.

Unfortunately, Covington’s journey was not without its share of hardships. His 2018 season with the 76ers came to an abrupt end when he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Upon joining the team, he was immediately sidelined due to a knee injury which required surgery and put him out of action for the rest of the season. However, overcoming adversity seemed to be a specialty of Covington. Post-recovery, he went back to the Rockets in 2020 as part of a four-team, 12-player trade. Once again, he showed his resilience and made his mark with notable performances.

Covington’s journey continued as he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and then later to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2022. Despite the changes, he remained consistent in his performance and even notched a career-high score of 43 points in a single game, setting a franchise record for the Clippers. Rewarding him for his commitment, the Clippers extended his contract for two more years for $24 million.

Robert Covington’s journey in basketball stands as a testament to the results of perseverance, hard work, and consistency. His career serves as an inspiration for aspiring basketball players, reminding them that the path to success may not always be straightforward but rewarding for those who remain committed to their passion.