Ricky Council IV did something this season that few undrafted rookies have been able to do.
He earned minutes — and won games — for a team that viewed itself as a contender. Sure, injuries opened up opportunities for the Arkansas product, but boy, did he make the most of those opportunities.
Daryl Morey targeted Council as soon as the high-flying wing wasn’t selected in the 2023 NBA draft, but even the Sixers’ president of basketball operations was surprised by the rookie’s impact — and tempered expectations for the 22-year-old moving forward.
“With Ricky, the way it normally goes — and we spoke to Ricky about this in his exit meeting — is your first year, you almost have no chance, especially if you’re undrafted,” Morey said at his season-ending presser.