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76ers Veteran Makes Confident Claim on Social Media

Ricky Council IV anticipates a statement year on the Philadelphia 76ers.

Justin Grasso

Mar 20, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ricky Council IV (16) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Mar 20, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ricky Council IV (16) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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With a team full of seasoned veterans, the Philadelphia 76ers might have a hard time finding rotational minutes for some of their developmental pieces.

For a guy like Ricky Council IV, he’s focused on standing out no matter what.

Never one to lack confidence, the former undrafted prospect out of Arkansas is entering his second season ready to make an impact on a star-studded roster, which features All-Stars such as Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George.

On Thursday, Council took to Instagram to send a message to his fans.

“Year 2. Statement Year.”

Council’s plans to have to a statement year started this week as the Sixers geared up for training camp in the Bahamas. Heading into year two, Council’s chances of earning minutes hinge on what he brings to the table in practice and during the preseason.

Last year, Council appeared in 32 games for the 76ers. Averaging nine minutes on the court, the rookie hit nearly 50 percent of his shots for five points per game. He managed to knock down 38 percent of his threes and came down with one rebound per night.

Being that Council was initially a two-way player, he spent time with the Delaware Blue Coats in the G League. In 11 games, Council averaged 23 points, five rebounds, and two assists. The young forward knocked down 47 percent of his shots and hit on 35 percent of his threes.

Earlier this week, Council defined his role as the Sixers’ young energy guy. With a long season ahead, the 23-year-old is ready for whatever Nick Nurse and the team throws his way as he’s ready to make a statement.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA  Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation.  Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association.  Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA

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