Jabari Walker opens up on mindset of how he stays ready to help Sixers

PHILADELPHIA -- When one looks at the 2025-26 averages for Philadelphia 76ers big man Jabari Walker, nothing will really stand out. He averages 4.1 points and 3.3 rebounds on a two-way deal, but when watching Walker, one will see the impact he brings to the floor.

Walker is somebody the Sixers can turn to off the bench and he brings energy, hustle, and a willingness to do whatever it is they need from him. That's an underrated skill in today's NBA. The ability to stay ready and contribute even when a player has been out of the rotation for a bit.

"I think it starts with energy," Walker said on Friday morning at shootaround. "If your energy is not right and your mindset is not where it needs to be, then you have no chance at being impactful, but if your mindset is ‘OK, how can I help this team everyday?’ Then naturally, I think things start flowing."

A big way in which Walker contributes is through hustle plays. Meaning he has the ability to come up with some big deflections that don't show up in the box score. He grabs big rebounds, he can knock down an open 3, and he makes defensive plays. The mindset is always to help the Sixers.

"You start getting deflections, you start getting rebounds, you start getting putbacks, and then you’re making shots and it looks like you were more ready than maybe you even were," Walker added. "Just go in there, like ‘OK, how can I help my team?’ Just being selfless. Having a selfless attitude."

The minutes have been up and down for Walker, but the Sixers can still rely on him. He knows that sometimes, the reason he isn't playing is more so based on matchups rather than what he can or can't do.

"I’ve always had it, but at times, adjusting to the league, I felt like I had to do a little bit more than that, but it’s that simple, honestly," Walker continued. "Just staying true to that. You don’t have to step outside yourself. Sometimes, it’s not even on you why you’re not playing. It’s just a matchup thing."

As long as Walker continues to keep this positive mindset, then he is going to continue to be a helpful player to this team. He has the right mindset every day and just wants to help the Sixers succeed.

"Just staying confident in yourself and having the right attitude," he finished. "That goes a long way. Sometimes, it’s past basketball. It’s about attitude and how you want to help others around you. Good things come back to those who dish out good things. So, I like to think it that way."

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Jabari Walker opens up on mindset of how he stays ready to help Sixers