A year ago today, Ricky Council IV was just a ” two-way contract” on the Sixers roster. The guard had already been working with the coaching staff over the summer to improve and earn a spot on the roster. The workouts eventually paid off, and he was offered a promotion as he signed a guaranteed contract in April.
Thanks also to teammate injuries), the Sixers gave him his chance in 32 games last season. Time for him to accumulate 5.4 points on 48.2% shooting, including 35.7% behind the arc in 9 minutes of play on average. Not enough to guarantee him a place in the rotation, and that's why he chose to participate in the training camp led by Nick Nurse's assistant, Rico Hines.
“This summer has been very busy, maybe even more than last year,” estimates the Sixers guard, “I've continued to improve my shot, work on different ways to finish, learn the game, play against good opponents every day. All of that will help me in the long run.”
A position already well filled
Listening to him, he already sees improvements. “I feel like my game is pretty complete.”Council believes. “I know on this team, I really don't have to do much… We've got Paul George. We've got Tyrese Maxey and we've got Joel Embiid. I don't think they're going to need my dribbling a lot. So, I just have to be able to take open shots and defend on guys.”
Ricky Council has often made a good impression when he has entered the game, such as against Golden State, where he scored 17 points in 10 minutes of play, and then three days later when he posted a double-double against Washington with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Despite the additions of Paul George, Caleb Martin, Eric Gordon and the extension of Kelly Oubre who can play his position, Council will fight for minutes.
“I want to continue to prove myself”he says. “And when training camp and practices come around, I'll have to continue to prove myself and trust the players and the coaches.”
Two-way contract : Designed to create a new bridge between the NBA and the G-League, this type of contract allows each team to secure the services of two or three additional players, to have them play mainly in their affiliated development league franchise but also up to 50 matches in the NBA.
