The LA Clippers have agreed to a contract extension with Robert Covington, it was announced today by president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released.
“When we acquired Cov in February, we thought he would be a great fit for our team, and the past few months confirmed our belief,” said Frank. “He is an active, intelligent defender, and an excellent shooter who flourished in our system. We wanted to extend our relationship with Cov and are thrilled he wanted the same.”
Covington, 31, appeared in 71 games (42 starts) for the Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers last season, averaging 8.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocked shots. The 6-foot-7 forward was the only player in the NBA this season to post at least 90 steals and 90 blocks. On April 1 against Milwaukee, Covington made 11 three-pointers, a Clippers franchise record, and became the only player in NBA history to finish a game with at least 43 points, 11 threes, eight rebounds and three blocked shots.
Covington holds career averages of 11.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.5 assists in 537 appearances across nine NBA seasons with the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Trail Blazers and Clippers.
Born in Bellwood, Ill., Covington played four collegiate seasons at Tennessee State and is the fourth-leading scorer in school history with 1,748 points.