Robert Covington
A defensive specialist who carved out a vital NBA role as a '3-and-D' wing, going from undrafted to All-Defensive team honors.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American basketball player·Birthday: December 14·Millennials
Biography
Robert Covington’s basketball career is a testament to the power of specialization and perseverance. After a solid but unspectacular college career at Tennessee State, he went undrafted in 2013, a setback that forced him to define his value. He latched onto the Houston Rockets’ developmental league team, honing a specific, modern skill set: hitting corner three-pointers and playing disruptive, intelligent defense. The Philadelphia 76ers, in the midst of a rebuild, saw his potential and gave him a chance. In Philadelphia, 'RoCo' blossomed into one of the league's premier '3-and-D' players, a lanky, 6'7" forward who could guard multiple positions and space the floor. His 2018 selection to the NBA All-Defensive First Team was a crowning achievement for an undrafted player. Though his offensive role has fluctuated on subsequent teams, his defensive IQ and team-first approach have made him a coveted role player, proving that a clear identity can forge a long and impactful NBA journey.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Robert was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Robert Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Robert's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2018 while with the Philadelphia 76ers.
- Led the NBA in total steals during the 2017-2018 season.
- Signed a four-year, $62 million contract extension with the 76ers in 2017 after going undrafted.
- Holds the Tennessee State University record for career three-pointers made.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'RoCo' is a shortening of Robert Covington.
He majored in communications at Tennessee State University.
He was a high school teammate of NBA player Jeffery Taylor.
He is known for his philanthropic work, including hosting annual Thanksgiving food drives.
“My job is to guard the best player and make open threes.”
