Sixers make Robert Covington’s contract extension official

It is official. Robert Covington will be a Philadelphia 76er for the foreseeable future.

On Friday, the Sixers announced a multi-year contract extension for Covington, an undrafted forward who the team originally called up from the Grand Rapids Drive of the G-League in early November of 2014. With the opportunity given to him by former General Manager Sam Hinkie, Covington has developed into one of the best two-way forwards in the entire NBA.

“Robert Covington is a prime example of what hard work, dedication and commitment can lead to," President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo said, via the team. "Rob’s growth as a player on both ends of the floor makes him one of the most versatile and effective wings in the league, while his contributions of character and professionalism feature prominently in our evolving organizational culture. This extension is both well-deserved, and a really great story,”

The new deal will keep Covington under contract through the 2021-22 season, and is worth $62 million, according to ESPN. It also includes a $15 million bump on Covington's $1.57 million salary for this season.

The deal is well-deserved for Covington, who has been one of the most underpaid (and underrated) players in the NBA over the past couple of seasons.

In 217 games career games with the Sixers (178 starts), Covington holds averages of 13.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.6 steals in 28.6 minutes per game.

Per the Sixers, Covington is one of just 14 NBA players to make at least 500 three-pointers since the start of the 2014-15 season, and his 524 three-pointers in a 76ers uniform rank fourth in franchise history, behind Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, Kyle Korver and Andre Iguodala.

After being on some pretty bad Sixers teams over the past few seasons, Covington will now have an opportunity to be on some potentially very good ones moving forward.

Follow Michael Kaskey-Blomain on Twitter @therealmikekb.