Sixers Sign Hometown Hero, Maalik Wayns
PHILADELPHIA, PA - According to reports, the Villanova and Roman Catholic star, Maalik Wayns, agreed to a 1-year contract earlier Monday morning with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Pat Williams, longtime executive for the Orlando Magic and former general manager of the 76ers, said it best during the Orlando Pro Summer League: “Who doesn’t love a Philly guard?” Well let me be the first to say I do. Picking up Wayns is a two-way street, but under the tutelage of Doug Collins, this could be the boost the 76ers need out of the back court.
With the spurt of young Philadelphia prospects, the once proud capital of producing prime point guards is slowly coming back on the basketball map. Talent the likes of former Saint Joe’s standout Jameer Nelson. Now more recently the city’s new products Syracuse’s Scoop Jardine and the now signed guard, Wayns.
Wayns brings a unique skill set to the 76ers that no other prospect on the team can bring to the table. Agreed upon or not Wayns right now is the only “true” point guard on the Sixers extensive roster, even though Jrue Holiday will be the started and receive the bulk of minutes in the back court. The 6’4, Mission Hills, CA, guard is more suitable as a combo guard to continuously add a boost from any area on the court. Wayns, being a bit smaller (6’2, 185 lbs) could possibly fill the void the franchise has been seeking for years.
Wayns’ goal has been achieved. All he wanted was to get the opportunity to showcase his skill set to prove that he belongs, now the Philadelphia native not only has the chance to play, but also to play in front of the fans that have shown him the most love throughout his short career.
“Who doesn’t love a Philly guard?” Well Philly sure does and they know how to make them, that’s for sure.
In his junior season at Villanova University, Wayns averaged 17.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 90 percent from the line and 41 percent from the field.
Tyler R. Tynes is the Featured Columnist for the Philadelphia 76ers with Rant Sports, Beat Writer covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Buzz On Broad and 76ers Analyst for Philly Sports Nut.
Follow me on Twitter @RealTylerTynes for all Sixers and NBA sports updates. And also follow me on Instagram @TheRealTylerTynes.
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