Trendon Watford Bio
Trendon Nelson Watford is an American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 240 pounds, he plays as a versatile forward and has built his career on rebounding, scoring in the paint, and strong interior play. After a decorated run at LSU, he entered the NBA in 2021 and has since become a reliable rotation player across multiple franchises.
Born and raised in Alabama, Watford developed into one of the top high school prospects in the country before emerging as a college standout in the Southeastern Conference. He has suited up for the Portland Trail Blazers, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Philadelphia 76ers, steadily expanding his role with each stop.
Early Life and Background
Trendon Nelson Watford was born on November 9, 2000, in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in the Birmingham area and began his basketball journey at a young age, eventually attending Shades Valley High School in Irondale, Alabama, while living in Irondale. He later moved to Mountain Brook, Alabama, where he continued his development in a competitive basketball environment.
At Mountain Brook High School, Watford became one of the most decorated players in Alabama high school history. A highly touted five-star recruit, he set the Alabama High School Athletic Association career rebounding record and led Mountain Brook to three consecutive Class 7A state championships from 2017 to 2019. His dominance at the prep level earned him back-to-back Alabama Mr. Basketball honors in 2018 and 2019, along with a selection as a McDonald’s All-American in 2019.
Path to Basketball
Watford’s path to professional basketball was shaped by his success in high school and his status as a top national recruit. On May 20, 2019, he committed to play college basketball at LSU under head coach Will Wade, choosing the Tigers over several other major programs. His reputation as a tough, skilled forward made him a natural fit for the SEC.
During his senior year, Watford wrapped up his prep career with multiple state titles and individual awards, positioning himself as a player ready to contribute immediately at the college level. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him one of the most anticipated freshmen in LSU’s recent history.
Trendon Watford Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Watford made an immediate impact at LSU. In his debut against Bowling Green, an 88–79 win, he scored 10 points, and he soon posted his first collegiate double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds against UMBC. He scored a career-high 22 points in a 69–67 win over Texas on January 25, 2020, and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team after averaging 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds as a freshman.
After initially declaring for the 2020 NBA draft, Watford withdrew and returned to LSU for his sophomore season. He scored a career-high 30 points in the SEC Tournament championship game against Alabama and averaged 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds on the year. He earned First-team All-SEC recognition from the Associated Press and Second-team All-SEC honors from the coaches. Following the season, Watford declared for the 2021 NBA draft and signed with an agent, ending his college eligibility.
Portland Trail Blazers Breakthrough (2021–2023)
After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft, Watford signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers on August 3, 2021. He showed enough promise that the team converted his deal to a standard NBA contract on February 21, 2022. On March 12, 2022, he set a then career high with 27 points and added six rebounds in a 127–118 win over the Washington Wizards.
During the 2022 NBA Summer League, Watford posted 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block to lead Portland to an 85–77 victory over the New York Knicks in the championship game. He was named Summer League Championship Game MVP and earned a spot on the All-NBA Summer League Second Team. Portland waived him on June 30, 2023.
Brooklyn Nets Era (2023–2025)
On August 3, 2023, Watford signed with the Brooklyn Nets, where he continued to develop his game as a rotation forward. He provided frontcourt depth, rebounding, and scoring punch off the bench during his time in Brooklyn. On July 9, 2024, he re-signed with the Nets, signaling the organization’s confidence in his continued growth.
Philadelphia 76ers Era (2025–Present)
On July 2, 2025, Watford signed a two-year, $5.3 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, beginning a new chapter in his career. He quickly became a contributor in the team’s frontcourt rotation, bringing energy, rebounding, and playmaking to the Philadelphia lineup.
On November 8, 2025, Watford recorded his first career triple-double in a 130–120 win over the Toronto Raptors, finishing with 20 points, 10 assists, and 17 rebounds. The performance highlighted his all-around skill set and marked a milestone moment in his young NBA career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Watford is known for his physicality on the interior, his rebounding instincts, and his improving passing vision. He plays with a high motor, attacks the glass on both ends, and has developed into a reliable secondary playmaker from the forward position. His combination of strength and basketball IQ allows him to guard multiple positions and contribute in a variety of lineups.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Watford’s signature moments are his SEC Tournament career-high 30-point game at LSU, his 2022 NBA Summer League Championship Game MVP award, and his first NBA triple-double with the 76ers. Setting the Alabama High School Athletic Association career rebounding record and winning three straight Class 7A state championships stand as his most memorable prep accomplishments.
Trendon Watford Career Wins
Trendon Watford’s career has been defined by consistent winning at every level, from high school state championships to professional milestones. While individual NBA win totals vary by season, his track record includes team success and individual accolades that reflect his impact on the court.
NBA Highlights
Watford has posted multiple career-high scoring performances in the NBA, including a 27-point game with Portland and a 20-point triple-double with Philadelphia. His 2022 NBA Summer League Championship and MVP honor stand out as one of the most prestigious individual achievements of his early professional career.
College and High School Achievements
At LSU, Watford earned First-team All-SEC, Second-team All-SEC, and SEC All-Freshman Team honors while helping the Tigers compete for conference titles. In high school, he won three consecutive Class 7A state championships at Mountain Brook, claimed two Alabama Mr. Basketball awards, and was named a McDonald’s All-American.
Trendon Watford Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Watford comes from a basketball family. He is the younger brother of former professional basketball player Christian Watford, who also played at a high collegiate level before pursuing a professional career. The family’s deep ties to the sport helped shape Trendon’s early development and passion for the game.
Personal Life
Watford maintains a close relationship with his family, including his older brother Christian, who has been a source of guidance throughout his basketball journey. He continues to focus on his professional career with the Philadelphia 76ers.
2025 Season Performance
Trendon Watford’s 2025 season with the Philadelphia 76ers has been a story of fresh opportunity and individual milestones. After signing a two-year, $5.3 million contract in July 2025, he joined a Philadelphia team looking to strengthen its frontcourt depth and add versatile rotation pieces.
Watford quickly established himself as a reliable contributor off the bench, using his rebounding, interior scoring, and passing to fit into the 76ers’ system. On November 8, 2025, he delivered his first career triple-double with 20 points, 10 assists, and 17 rebounds in a 130–120 win over the Toronto Raptors, signaling his growing comfort and impact at the NBA level.
As the season progresses, Watford is expected to remain a key rotational piece for Philadelphia, providing energy, defense, and playmaking in the frontcourt. His continued development and early milestone performances suggest a promising outlook for the remainder of the 2025 campaign and beyond.