A few years ago, Phillip Wheeler had to move from New Jersey to Texas with his mother just to be an unpaid practice player with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets. Not knowing if this sacrifice would pay off, Wheeler decided to bet on himself. After a four-year stint in the development league with five different teams, he has finally signed with an NBA team.
Opportunity
The Philadelphia 76ers—who are currently trying to finish the season amid injuries to Kyle Lowry, Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain—signed Wheeler to a 10-day contract, where he’ll try to make the most of his opportunity.
"I’m just enjoying it all," said the Puerto Rico national team member before his second NBA game against the Miami Heat. In two games, although he's seen limited action, his energy has been unmatched against the Washington Wizards and the Heat, both during the games and in warm-ups.
Wheeler made his NBA debut and posted 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists off the bench. He’s also been the first to warm up and stays on the court almost until the end of warm-ups to watch film and work on areas he wants and needs to improve.
Star in the G League
Wheeler has legitimately become a star in the NBA G League in recent seasons. This year, he averaged 15.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in 27 minutes per game while playing for the Texas Legends and Maine Celtics. The undrafted forward became the 72nd player to get a call-up to the NBA this season and hopes to sign a deal for the remainder of the season with Philadelphia.
Dreams do come true.