Nelson Chenault – USA Today Sports
Tony Wroten had a very forgettable rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He appeared in only 35 games and averaged 7.8 minutes per game, averaging 2.6 points on 38.4% shooting. Wroten had a tough time adjusting to the NBA style of play after averaging 16 points per game in his only season at the University of Washington.
Wroten, the cousin of Nate Robinson, apparently did not warrant enough to stick around another year with Memphis and he joined the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade this offseason.
So what should Sixers fans expect this upcoming year and for the future of Wroten? Acquiring a former first-round pick like Wroten is an extremely low risk, high reward move for Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie. Wroten’s numbers were ugly in year one but the sample size was very small.
Coming to Philly is the ideal situation for the team and for Wroten. For the Sixers, they get a player who could either blossom and become a contributor to the future of this team or become trade bait to a contender at the deadline. If not, the Sixers can let him go at the end of the season without any financial commitment.
For Wroten, he will get a chance to go out and just play ball. The Sixers have no expectations and a depleted roster, so Wroten should log heavy minutes and get a chance to prove he belongs in this league regardless of what team it is.
This move by the Sixers doesn’t scream “contender,” but with the rebuilding plan set forward this move makes sense. Wroten hasn’t had the chance to prove himself yet in this league, but he certainly will with Philly.
Zach Slotter is a contributor for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @zslot6, Like his Facebook page and add him on Google.
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