Latest news with #JabariWalker
USA Today
9 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Get to know new Sixers addition Jabari Walker and how he can help
The Philadelphia 76ers made their second addition of free agency with the signing of Jabari Walker to a two-way deal. Walker, the No. 57 pick of the 2022 NBA draft, averaged 6.2 points and 4.5 rebounds across 188 games in three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. The fact that the Sixers got Walker on a two-way deal is a steal. He is somebody who could be in the rotation at some point for Philadelphia as he is a skilled big man with size and can help the Sixers on both ends of the floor. Here is a complete profile on Walker and how he can help the Sixers right away: Walker's profile and career thus far The son of former NBA power forward Samaki Walker, Jabari was selected by the Blazers in the second round in 2022 out of the University of Colorado and received minutes right away. He played in 56 games as a rookie averaging 11.1 minutes for the rebuilding Blazers and produced some solid numbers across his three seasons in the Pacific Northwest. He averaged 7.1 rebounds in the 2023-24 season and 4.5 rebounds overall across the three seasons. The Sixers will be looking for him to bring that rebounding rate to Philadelphia in an effort to help a thin frontline at the moment. Walker on offense Walker's got work to do on the offensive end, but he progressed in a big way in 2024-25. He shot 38.9% from deep on 1.2 attempts per game, and per Cleaning the Glass, shot 53% on corner 3s. He took a big leap forward in the 3-point shooting department and was able to take steps forward in the pick-and-roll/pick-and-pop game as well. He is also a more than solid offensive rebounder as he averaged 1.4 offensive rebounds per game in his three seasons with Portland. Offensive rebounding is an important skill and Walker brings that to Philadelphia. If he can continue building a reliable jumper, then he will have a permanent spot in this team's rotation. Walker on defense Cleaning the Glass states that Walker had a steal percentage of 1.8% in 2024-25 which is in the 88th percentile. When watching some of Walker's tape with the Blazers, it's obvious that he has a ton of good instincts on that end of the floor. He has quick feet, quick hands, and understands how to play NBA-level defense. It is still so surprising to see that the Sixers got him on a two-way deal because he can do a lot of positive things on the floor and Philadelphia could use him in its rotation when considering the loss of Guerschon Yabusele. It will be interesting to see how coach Nick Nurse uses him in the 2025-26 season.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Free agent Jabari Walker inks two-way deal with Philadelphia 76ers after 188 games with Trail Blazers
Jabari Walker. Image via:The Philadelphia 76ers have added another intriguing young forward to their roster. They have signed free agent Jabari Walker to a two-way contract ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season. The move comes as the team continues to build depth at the power forward position, following the earlier addition of Trendon Watford. Walker, who spent his first three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, brings a promising mix of youth and NBA experience. The Philadelphia 76ers signed Jabari Walker ESPN's Shams Charania first broke the news, reporting, 'Free agent forward Jabari Walker has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, source tells ESPN. Walker spent his first three NBA seasons in Portland, appearing in 188 games.' Walker, a second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Colorado, had flashes of promise during his time in Portland. His 2023–24 campaign saw him play a key rotational role, averaging 8.9 points and 7.1 rebounds in 23.6 minutes across 72 games, including 23 starts. However, his playing time dipped this past season following the Blazers' acquisition of Deni Avdija and the emergence of Toumani Camara. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Despite a reduced role, Walker continued to produce efficiently in 60 games, averaging 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game while shooting a career-best 51.5% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc. Notably, Walker made the most of his perimeter opportunities, especially from the corners; 45.8% of his three-point attempts came from the corners, where he knocked down 45.5% of his shots. Though the volume was limited, the efficiency stood out. The 22-year-old stands 6-foot-9 and offers positional flexibility, capable of filling in at either forward spot. With his combination of rebounding, spot-up shooting, and size, he fits well into a Sixers roster that continues to prioritize youth and athleticism this offseason. Also Read: Natasha Cloud claps back at Donald Trump over Zohran Mamdani comments in bold rebuttal Still, Walker isn't guaranteed NBA minutes right away. He's expected to spend significant time with the Sixers' G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, as he continues to develop his game. His two-way contract allows him to be active for up to 50 NBA games unless he is later promoted to a standard deal. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
