The Trail Blazers announced the arrival of forward Robert Covington in a press release on Sunday. Prior to the draft, the Blazers acquired Covington from the Rockets in a trade that sent Trevor Ariza and two first-round picks to Houston.
In the release, Blazers President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey explained that Covington is an ideal fit for Portland’s culture.
“Robert is an elite defender and consummate professional that will make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor,” said Olshey. “His versatility enables him to play multiple positions and his character and professionalism will allow him to transition seamlessly into our culture.”
Blazers digital reporter Casey Holdahl revealed that Covington will wear No. 23 in the 2020-21 season.
Here is the full press release from the Blazers:
PORTLAND, Ore.(November 22, 2020)–The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired forward Robert Covington from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Trevor Ariza, the draft rights to Isaiah Stewart and a conditional future first round pick, it was announced today by president of basketball operations Neil Olshey.
“Robert is an elite defender and consummate professional that will make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor,” said Olshey. “His versatility enables him to play multiple positions and his character and professionalism will allow him to transition seamlessly into our culture.”
In 70 games (68 starts) with Houston and Minnesota during the 2019-20 season, Covington (6-7, 209) averaged 12.4 points (42.2% FG, 33.5% 3-PT, 79.8% FT), 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.64 steals and 1.33 blocks in 30.5 minutes per game. He finished the season ranked third in the NBA in total steals (115) and tied for 10thin total blocks (93), making him one of two players in the league to finish in the top-10 in both categories.
Covington, 29, holds career averages of 12.7 points (40.6% FG, 35.6% 3-PT, 81.1% FT), 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.66 steals and 0.89 blocks in 396 games (348 starts) with Houston, Minnesota and Philadelphia. In 2017-18, he earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors with the 76ers. A seven-year NBA veteran, Covington signed with Houston in 2013 after going undrafted out of Tennessee State in the 2013 NBA Draft. He is the only player in the NBA to average at least 12.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.00 steal and 1.00 block over the last three seasons while making at least two three-pointers per game.
Ariza played in 21 games (all starts) for the Trail Blazers during the 2019-20 season, posting averages of 11.0 points (49.1% FG, 40.0% 3-PT, 87.2% FT), 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.62 steals. He was acquired by Portland from Sacramento on Jan. 21, 2020.
Stewart was selected out of Washington with the 16th overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft.
Last season, Covington averaged 12.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
