The Philadelphia 76ers have turned to five-year veteran Jabari Walker to anchor their frontcourt as a backup center.
The team is currently navigating the absence of Adem Bona, who remains sidelined due to a cervical spine sprain, according to sports data reports.
Walker, a Colorado product, has averaged 7.0 points and 7.0 rebounds over his last four appearances.
Standing at 6-foot-7, the forward has utilized his timing and positioning to assist a team that has historically struggled on the glass.
During a recent win over the Toronto Raptors, Walker successfully secured eight rebounds, as noted by Yahoo Sports.
Walker attributes his proficiency in rebounding to the influence of his father, former NBA player Samaki Walker.
He explained that his father was a skilled rebounder who possessed a natural gift for the craft, as reported by Sixers Wire.
“I think it’s just a skill I kind of had growing up,” Walker said.
“My dad, he was a good rebounder,” he continued.
The transition to Philadelphia marks a significant shift for the forward, who spent his early career with the Portland Trail Blazers during a rebuilding phase.
He noted that his individual efforts often went unnoticed while playing for a losing team, according to Sixers Wire.
Walker expressed that joining a winning organization has motivated him to elevate his performance to the highest level.
“I told myself if I ever got to be a part of a winning organization, I would go out and compete to the best of my ability,” Walker stated.
He emphasized that his current success is not an accident but the result of a rigorous summer training regimen.
“I read some things and they say it’s a surprise, but if you were around me this summer and saw the mindset I had, then it wouldn’t be a surprise,” Walker told reporters.
The 76ers intend to continue utilizing Walker for critical plays as the season progresses, the outlets reported.