Stunning: Finally, The 76ers’ Roster to be Officially Overhaul by Daryl Morey

Daryl Morey, President of Basketball Operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, revealed on Saturday that the organization had officially signed sophomore forward Kenneth Lofton Jr.

The youthful veteran joins the team on a two-way contract, replacing Javonte Smart, who was waived to make room for a third two-way player. Lofton is the Sixers’ third two-way player, joining youngsters Terquavion Smith and Ricky Council IV.

The forward from Texas spent two seasons in the NCAA with Louisiana Tech. He appeared in 65 games over the course of two seasons. Lofton averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds per game in his sophomore season. He declared for the 2022 NBA Draft and made it through two rounds before being drafted.

Lofton soon signed with the Memphis Grizzlies. Lofton, like a few other undrafted players in the league, began on a two-way contract before being converted to a normal contract.

Lofton appeared in 24 games with the Grizzlies in his first season, averaging seven minutes of playing time. He averaged five points per game and made 53 percent of his field goals. Meanwhile, Lofton dominated the G League, averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists per game.

At the end of the 2022-2023 NBA G League season, Lofton earned several notable accolades, including Rookie of the Year, All-NBA G League First Team, and an NBA G League All-Rookie Team selection.

This season, Lofton appeared in just two games for the Grizzlies’ affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. He accounted for 24 points and 11 rebounds per game. Then, in 15 games with the Grizzlies, he produced just three points and two rebounds per game in an average of seven minutes of action.

After getting waived by the Grizzlies, Lofton will have a chance to split time between the 76ers and the Delaware Blue Coats. Next week, Delaware returns to the court to officially begin the regular season phase of the 2023-2024 run with a matchup against the Capital City Go Go. Barring any unexpected changes, Lofton should make his Delaware debut then.