There will be stiff competition, but Ricky Council IV should get an opportunity to crack the Sixers’ rotation in 2024-25.
Ricky Council IV’s first season was unique to say the least. After Council wasn’t selected in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Sixers signed him to a two-way contract as a free agent, later waiving him, and re-signing him to another two-way deal that he was on for the majority of the season.
Fast forward a few months, and the Sixers were ravaged by injuries which led coach Nick Nurse to call upon the rookie. Council didn’t just fare OK but had several performances that turned heads in the organization; which led to both sides inking a multi-year standard contract. Now, Council has his sophomore year within his sights where he’ll look to not only gain playing time, but stay within the Sixers’ regular rotation.
How realistic is Council’s chance at being a rotation player? It’s safe to say Nurse will look his way at some point in a reserve role. Three players are surefire picks to get playing time over Council: Paul George, Caleb Martin and Kelly Oubre. Two other players — Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon — will be in the mix for playing time off the ball, but there will be matchups where Council’s youth, athleticism and length will be favored over what the vets can bring offensively.
Lowry will likely be the prime candidate for point guard when Tyrese Maxey sits, which means Eric Gordon will likely be Council’s prime competition for minutes. Gordon has him beat out on overall scoring and shooting ability, but Council IV should have him in most other categories. Rebounding seems to be an emphasis for the Sixers early on, and Council has proven he puts effort in on this department.
For a season outlook, I’d expect Ricky Council IV to be a fringe rotation player with Gordon likely soaking up most of the time in a reserve wing role. The quick trigger shooting and floor spacing will open things up for the Sixers’ big three as they develop chemistry. From the bat, Gordon should be the easier player to plug in. Over time, I think you’ll see more of a mix of the two, varying on matchup.
The key to Council’s success entirely hinges on his perimeter shooting. Last season, he shot 37.5 percent from three on low volume. In Summer League his shooting swung quite a bit, ranging from games with over five made threes to zero. He’ll need to reliably hit shots, most notably from the corner, to stay in the rotation this season.
Assuming shots fall, Council will be primed for an increased role. He has a true knack for drawling fouls, rebounding the ball well for his size, and aggressively finishing at the rim — all traits the Sixers will value between their big three. If shots don’t fall, the reserve competition in Eric Gordon, Guerschon Yabusele and even Kyle Lowry could bury Council in the rotation.