By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Staff 
Sports Illustrated is gradually unveiling their Top 100 NBA Player Rankings this week. On Monday, they released 100-51 with JJ Redick coming in at No. 62 and Dario Saric at No. 54. The next batch of rankings covered Nos. 50-31 and Robert Covington cracked the Top 50.
Covington, 27, had a forgettable playoff series against Boston, but his regular season accomplishments were recognized by the league as the former Tennessee State product earned First-Team All-Defense honors. Overall last season, Covington averaged 12.6 points, shooting 41.3 percent from the floor and 36.9 percent from beyond the arc. His field-goal percentage was his best since his first season, when he played just seven games in Houston and his three-point percentage was his best since the 2014-15 season, his first with the Sixers. Covington ranked third overall in the league in defensive real plus-minus and was top among NBA small forwards. Among players that appearaed in at least 15 games, Covington ranked sixth in defensive rating (99.0) and second in defensive win share (0.061). RoCo led the league in deflections per game (3.9) as well.
Covington is one of the most debated about players among Sixers fans due in large part to his streaky shooting. The fact of the matter is, Covington is the team's best perimeter defender and can cover the 1-4 spots on the floor if needed. As a guy who went from G-League to being a part of one of the most efficient starting lineups in the NBA last year, it's time people appreciate Rob for what he is rather than what you want him to be. Well, adding some ball-handling and finishing skills wouldn't hurt either, though.
Covington ranked third overall in the league in defensive real plus-minus and was top among NBA small forwards. Among players that appearaed in at least 15 games, Covington ranked sixth in defensive rating (99.0) and second in defensive win share (0.061). RoCo led the league in deflections per game (3.9) as well.
He comes in at No. 48:
Covington (12.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.7 SPG) warps around the court like a podcast played at double speed, he relishes contact like a middle linebacker, and he shadows scorers feint-for-feint like a professional dancer. With a full season of good health and team success to his name, the 27-year-old Sixers forward has solidified himself as the NBA’s premier 3-and-D wing. His 2018 All-Defensive First Team selection was a no-brainer, as he ranked first in deflections, third in Defensive Real-Plus Minus, fifth in Defensive Win Shares and sixth in steals for the NBA’s third-best defense.
Although he is considerably older than star teammates Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, Covington stumbled badly during their first trip to the playoffs. A notoriously streaky shooter who managed to hit 36.9% of his threes during the regular season, he was yanked from the starting lineup in the second round against the Celtics when his jumper and confidence deserted him. Despite a rough May and the narrow nature of his offensive portfolio, Covington is perfectly suited for trendy interchangeable and switchable lineups. He’s satisfied filling a supplementary scoring role, and his combination of strength, length and quickness allows him to credibly defend four, if not all five, positions in smallball looks. Here’s betting that his future postseason work is considerably stronger than his 2018 showing.
Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are the only two Sixers remaining that should be on this list. Where will they land?
