NBA: Ranking all 30 starting small forwards for 2018-19

13. Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers

Say what you want about Robert Covington‘s streaky shooting or his disappearing act in the playoffs, but his stifling wing defense was an essential part of the Philadelphia 76ers‘ success last year, and when he actually was feeling it from 3-point range, this team looked like a legitimate contender.

There should be concern over his shooting percentages diving face-first onto a live grenade in the playoffs, and over the fact that other than a couple of hot stretches throughout his career, he’s mostly been a below-average 3-point shooter. Either of those things recurring in 2018-19 could put his future with the team in further doubt as the Sixers search for a star upgrade.

For the time being though, Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James aren’t going anywhere, making Covington the clear choice on the wing over the new arrival, Wilson Chandler. Covington is an elite defender, bested Ill Will’s 3-point percentage last year and is nearly four years younger. RoCo isn’t perfect, but if he can just be more consistent, he’ll eventually win over that tough Philly crowd.