Philadelphia in the Pros: NBA Talents from Southeastern PA

With five players from the city of Philadelphia currently active in the NBA, let’s take a look at what they’re up to this season.

First and foremost is Cardinal Dougherty and Villanova alumnus Kyle Lowry, reaching the tail end of his playing career at 38 years old but still capable of providing a stable leadership presence (and some minutes off the bench) for his hometown 76ers. Putting up 4.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 20.3 minutes off the bench for the Sixers this season, Lowry, who signed a one-year deal this offseason, probably won’t play much longer… but it’s fitting that he’s doing so in the city where it all began.

Jalen Duren, who spent the first two years of his high school career at Roman Catholic, is the most consistent performer on the list. The 2022 first round draft pick is averaging close to a double-double with 9.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game for the Detroit Pistons, although his defense down low needs some work.

Twin brothers Marcus and Markieff Morris are both on their way out of the NBA, with Marcus failing to catch on with the Knicks after signing an Exhibit 9 contract in training camp, and Markieff playing just four games for the Dallas Mavericks.

Greater Philadelphia Area Hoopers

Heading outside of Philly proper to Montgomery County, up next is Norristown native Cam Reddish. Despite being part of one of the most highly-touted collegiate trios in recent history alongside Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett, Reddish just hasn’t managed to settle into a consistent starting role during his six seasons in the league, bouncing between four teams.

Right now, Reddish plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, where he’s made eight starts in 23 appearances, putting up 3.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game, all career lows. He’s still a capable defender and contributes 1.2 steals and 0.4 blocks in limited minutes, but his career looks like it’s on an ugly downswing.

Last but not least is Derrick Jones Jr. of Chester, who helped the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season with his stout defensive ability. He signed a free agent deal with the Clippers in the offseason and is putting up 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.4 blocks per game in Los Angeles. Jones missed a handful of games in early December with a hamstring strain but has since made it back on the court, easing back into the lineup with more carefully regimented minutes.