CAMDEN, N.J. — With the amount of player movement in today’s NBA, a player is bound to see a former teammate again in a new situation for both players. The Philadelphia 76ers are seeing an example of that with new additions Trendon Watford and Jabari Walker.
When Walker was a rookie in the 2022-23 season, he and Watford were teammates with the Portland Trail Blazers. Watford then left for the Brooklyn Nets, but that one season with Walker left an impression on him as they team up with the Sixers.
“It’s just great to see him three years later now,” Watford said on Walker. “All used to the league, used to the NBA now, and obviously he had, what, three good years in Portland, and now he’s looking to take advantage of his opportunity again. Just being his teammate back then, I know I how hard he’s worked.”
Walker averaged 6.2 points and 4.5 rebounds across his three seasons with the Blazers. He improved as a 3-point shooter during his time in Portland as he shot 38.9% from deep–albeit on only 1.2 attempts per game–in the 2024-25 season. Already an energetic defender and rebounder, if Walker can work on that jumper and become a consistent 3-point shooter, then the Sixers will be in good shape with him coming off the bench and producing.
“Obviously, he’s a great rebounder,” Watford added. “An energetic guy, can shoot it, can do a lot of things on the floor. So, it’s another full circle moment with us being back on the same team.”
Coach Nick Nurse will give Walker every opportunity to earn a rotation spot in the preseason. He has a lot of skills and brings a ton of energy to the floor. Meanwhile, Watford will look to heal up from his recent right hamstring tightness to finally get on the floor in the preseason and prepare for his first season with the Sixers.