With just one game left in the regular season, the Philadelphia 76ers have filled their last open roster spot. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the 76ers are promoting rookie wing Ricky Council IV to a standard contract. Per Charania, Philadelphia is signing the former two-way player to a four-year, $7.4 million contract. The 22-year-old is eligible to play for the 76ers in the postseason.
Sources: The Philadelphia 76ers are converting two-way G/F Ricky Council IV on a new four-year, $7.4 million NBA contract. Adds $864K in new money this season. CEO Adie von Gontard of Young Money APAA negotiated deal. Council has averaged 5.7 points in 9.3 minutes over 30 games. pic.twitter.com/GEd1s4YURV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 13, 2024
Council has split time this season with the 76ers and the Delaware Blue Coats of the G League. With Philadelphia, Council has played in 31 games. In those games, he has averaged 5.5 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. For Delaware, the North Carolina native has been much more effective. In 11 games for the Blue Coats, Council is averaging 23.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Furthermore, he shot 46.7% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc in those games.
Philadelphia 76ers Fill Open Roster Spot Ahead of Postseason
What Ricky Council IV Brings to the 76ers
The 76ers only have one player making guaranteed money next season–reigning MVP Joel Embiid (Tyrese Maxey does have a team option for next season, however). Additionally, big man Paul Reed is under contract next season, but his contract is not fully guaranteed. Signing Council past this year ensures Philadelphia has another player familiar with the system under contract. Additionally, Council may be more than just a depth piece.
Though he has not received consistent minutes yet, he has already left an impression on the team. Following the 76ers’ thrilling 2OT victory over the San Antonio Spurs last week, Embiid compared Council to LeBron James and Luka Doncic:
“I will remember the pass,” Council said. “Joel just came in here and said only three people can make that pass in the league. He said LeBron, Luka, and me. So I’m like, ok, I’ll take that!”
On the court, Council has shown lots of potential. He is a solid two-way player with elite athleticism who can make an impact on both sides of the ball. Furthermore, he has improved his perimeter shooting, arguably his biggest weakness entering last year’s draft. Additionally, Council himself has talked about his approach in the NBA:
I just feel like I’m a dog. I feel like a lot of people say it, but not a lot of people are about it. I’m about it.
The Last Word
Council is an interesting prospect for Philadelphia. Though he is eligible, it seems unlikely he will crack the team’s playoff rotation. Regardless, in the long run, Council has the tools to be a solid contributor for years to come.
Currently, the 76ers are 46-35 and own the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. With one game remaining, the team hopes to avoid the Play-In Tournament.
