SB Nation

While on assignment by the Rockets, Robert Covington emerged as the 2014 NBA D-League Rookie of the Year and All-Star Game Most Valuable Player. And though he was released by Houston not long after, the forward’s reputation in the minor league helped him become the first pick of the 2014 D-League Draft later that fall. Ironically enough, he was called-up by the 76ers before he even had a chance to step up on the NBADL hardwood again. Clearly, it wasn’t necessary.

One could argue that Covington’s continued success and the path he took to the NBA should be inspiration for plenty of other aspiring athletes. Having played alongside him for three years at the collegiate level with Tennessee State, one would also have to believe Patrick Miller feels that way, anyway.

Miller was Covington’s college teammate, and now believes the path that Covington followed could also potentially work for him. read more