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One of the pleasant surprises of the struggle that was last
season for the Sixers was the promising play of Tony Wroten.
Before signing with the Sixers last season, Wroten had only
35 games of NBA experience that he gained with the Grizzlies the previous year.
No one quite knew what to expect out of the long, lanky guard from the
University of Washington. The Sixers’ rebuilding roster provided an open
opportunity for Wroten, who took advantage of it.
In 24 minutes of action per game, over triple the time he
averaged in Memphis, Wroten posted averages of 13 points, 3 assists, and 3
rebounds per contest, while displaying an uncanny ability to get right to the
rim. Wroten in fact led the league in points per 48 minutes on drives.
Despite the promise he showed last season, Wroten’s role,
and future with the franchise is far from certain. He will need to continue to
showcase his skills this season, and demonstrate that he is a player that the
Sixers should keep around as they climb back into contention.
“Everything,” Wroten exclaimed after being asked what he
worked on over the summer at Monday’s Media Day. “I’m not perfect so I worked
on everything you could think of. Being more of a leader, shooting, just trying
to be a perfectionist. I’m looking forward to the season.”
Photo taken by Michael Kaskey-Blomain |
In the absence of Michael Carter-Williams, who will miss the
preseason and potentially the beginning of the regular season as he continues
to recover from shoulder surgery, Wroten will get the nod at the starting spot,
where he will get an opportunity to lead the team from the point guard
positions.
“I feel like I can
play both positions,” he stated, “but point guard is definitely my position. With
Mike [Carter-Williams] out, I’m going to do my best to lead the team.”
Playing point will be a test for Wroten, who is adept at
paint penetration, but not as polished in other areas of the position. His
nearly 1:1 assist-to-turnover ratio needs to be improved upon, as does his shot
selection at times.
Wroten doesn’t want to limit himself to point guard play, and
would prefer to play at both guard spots. He sees himself fitting nicely
alongside the reigning Rookie of the Year.
“I would love to slide to the two,” he confessed. “Me and
Mike [Carter-Williams] together would be great. Me and [Michael
Carter-Williams] being so tall, we’re probably the biggest backcourt in the
league, whoever gets a rebound could bring it. Defensive-wise as well, I think
it would be a great idea.”
Wroten’s versatility is valuable, but in the end, he says he
just wants to see the Sixers succeed.
“I’m just trying to win, man. I could never get used to
losing. I’ll do whatever it takes to win, whether it’s coming off of the bench
or starting.”
Wroten is bringing a sound attitude to his second season
with the Sixers, using it as another opportunity to demonstrate that he is
worth a long-term commitment from the franchise.
“Philadelphia is a city I love. As much as we lose, when
things turn around Wells Fargo is going to be insane, and I can’t wait. I want
to be one of the people that was here when things were bad and then turned
good.”
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