Jabari Walker, known for his strong reputation from previous NBA stops, signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-way contract in 2024, aiming to secure a permanent place on the team. Walker, who spent his first three professional seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers after being selected in the 2022 NBA draft’s second round, views this opportunity as a chance to prove himself despite the challenges of a two-way deal.
The younger Walker carries the legacy of his father, Samaki Walker, a former NBA player. Though many anticipated Jabari would receive a standard NBA contract, circumstances led to the two-way agreement. Nevertheless, he remains determined to earn playing time by contributing in specific roles where the Sixers need support.
Filling a Critical Role: Defense, Rebounding, and Versatility
Walker identified the wing forward positions—the three and four spots—as areas where he can add value, especially defensively and on the boards. He praised the Sixers for their strong guards and wings, along with their dominant big men led by Joel Embiid, highlighting the roster’s overall strength. The 22-year-old forward emphasized his potential to bring energy, rebounding, and defensive toughness in those roles.
Over recent seasons, the Sixers have struggled with rebounding, finishing last in rebounding percentage in 2024-25. Walker’s career numbers suggest he could address this weakness effectively. His three-year NBA statistics include over 10 rebounds per 36 minutes, with a notable 15.5 rebounding percentage, which ranks among the league’s best if he played qualifying minutes. Walker also improved his three-point shooting in the last season, hitting close to 39% from beyond the arc, showing an expanding offensive skill set.
Sixers’ Roster Moves Highlight Opportunities and Competition
The Sixers’ recent roster moves underline the need for contributions from players like Walker. They brought back Guerschon Yabusele on a minimum deal last season, a player who proved useful but recently signed with the New York Knicks. Although the team added Trendon Watford, a flexible forward capable of playing multiple positions, Walker’s unique combination of athleticism, size, and rebounding stands apart, giving him a chance to carve out meaningful minutes alongside these players.
General manager Daryl Morey has often stressed the importance of acquiring younger and more dynamic players, a description that fits Walker well as he approaches his 23rd birthday. His size, versatility, and high motor align with the team’s long-term goals to strengthen their frontcourt with energetic and multifaceted forwards.
Walker’s Work Ethic and Mindset Reflect Lessons from His Father’s Career
Character and professionalism are key components of Walker’s approach. He does not rely on possessing the ball constantly to make an impact and understands his role within the team’s system. This attitude was influenced by his father, Samaki Walker, who played in the NBA for 10 seasons, including a championship season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001-02. Jabari learned valuable lessons about perseverance and seizing opportunities from his father’s experiences.
“I think the guard play is amazing, There’s great wings. Obviously, Joel [Embiid] and the bigs … the roster is pretty overall great. But I think that three-four [position] is where I can bring some defensive energy, rebounding.” —Jabari Walker
“My situation is different than his was, but he just talked to me a lot about adversity and just taking advantage of every opportunity I get. He just told me this is another big opportunity and nothing really changes as far as my work ethic. Everything I’ve done to get here just continues and amplifies a little bit. With more opportunity, more work comes.” —Jabari Walker
“We have some great ball handlers and creators, and they attract a lot of attention, so what’s needed is that three-point shot. I think putting a lot of time into it has helped me a lot. It took me a year or two just to get adjusted to the (NBA) three-point line. I don’t think my legs had enough to comprehend the game and then (also) being efficient from the line, so I took a summer just strictly shooting, changed some things about my form to make it a little bit more fluid, and it’s been effective.” —Jabari Walker
“Word gets around fast, so the interactions that I do have, whether it’s at the airport or getting food, they just pass those things along. It’s crazy just seeing all the accounts and all the Instagram guys that I never met having all these things about me … like, ‘Oh, I know him through a friend’ or ‘I know him through a story.’” —Jabari Walker
“I didn’t think that would be a position I was in, but the market and just feedback, it doesn’t lie, So whether that’s things I need to be doing better or whether that’s just the situation, it all led to me being here. I’m just grateful for this moment because a lot of people don’t even have this.” —Jabari Walker
“I’m friends with former teammates that aren’t even in the league anymore. Talking to them, they’re like, ‘Man, take advantage of what you have in front of you.’ So yes, the goal is the (standard) contract, but just me being here and being part of a team that wants to win, playing with all these great guys, I’m just grateful.” —Jabari Walker
Challenges Ahead and the Path Forward for Walker with the Sixers
Despite the clear opportunities, Walker is aware that earning a full roster spot will require sustained effort and performance given the competitive nature of NBA rosters. His early adjustment to the Philadelphia team is critical, especially as he competes against established forwards like Trendon Watford and other potential signings. Walker’s ability to maintain energy, improve his shooting, and help on defense could change coaches’ views and open the door to a standard contract.
The significance of Walker’s arrival extends beyond just the individual player; the Sixers have long sought to improve rebounding and depth on the wings, and Walker fits the profile to help address those gaps. If he can maintain his growth trajectory and adapt quickly to the demands of the team, he may fulfill the general manager’s vision of becoming a younger, more dynamic contributor.
As the Sixers gear up for the 2024-25 season, Jabari Walker’s journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, serving as a test case of how two-way players can transition into vital rotational members under a high-pressure, playoff-focused organization.