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T.J. McConnell: A Bright Spot For The Philadelphia 76ers

By Colby Giacubeno

Nov 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard TJ McConnell (12) drives against Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Phiadelphia 92-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard TJ McConnell (12) drives against Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Phiadelphia 92-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia 76er fanbase doesn’t have much reason to cheer right now, but T.J. McConnell is providing reasons to remain optimistic.

There hasn’t been much reason for optimism in the City of Brotherly Love as the Philadelphia 76ers are now 0-18, tying the 2009-10 New Jersey Nets for the worst start in NBA history. They have lost 28 straight games dating back to last season, which is the worst skid in U.S. professional sports annals.

Deservedly so, the 76ers’ third-overall pick Jahlil Okafor has ruled the headlines thus far as he is leading all rookies in scoring (17.5 ppg) and ranks third in rebounds (8.2 rpg).

Nerlens Noel is putting together a solid sophomore season while Robert Covington made his return midway through November after sitting out nine games with an MCL injury to give the Sixers a scoring option on the perimeter.

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The point guard position has been a revolving door for the Sixers ever since Michael Carter-Williams was dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks, but undrafted rookie T.J. McConnell out of the University of Arizona is supplying Sixers’ fans with hope that he can provide stability.

Heading into the NBA Draft, McConnell wasn’t considered as what many would think as an attractive pick at 6’2″ and average speed. He really has no physical traits that can set him apart from his opponents, but he strived in one area enough for the Sixers to give him a chance during Summer League, basketball IQ.

McConnell isn’t going to blow by his defender and finish a crafty reverse lay up or look to isolate his defender trying to “wow” the crowd with a killer crossover, he is simply going to make the right basketball play to help put his teammates in the best position to score.

McConnell plays similar to the point guards of the 1990s. He facilitates the game, sets up his teammates in scoring position, and can knock down the occasional jump shot when called upon. His 6.2 assists per game is first among rookies and tied for 12th among point guards.

The 23-year-old hasn’t been feasting on slouch competition either, he has had impressive performances against some of the top teams in the NBA, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, where McConnell finished with six points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds.

McConnell is utilizing the big men every chance he gets, which is exactly what you want if you’re a Sixers fan. He is often featured in pick-and-roll sets with Noel and Okafor, resulting 34.1 percent of the time with a bucket. Noel has been McConnell’s favorite target thus far, passing to him 16.8 percent of the time with a 46.8 field goal percentage.

At this point, Sixers fans will take just about anyone to help boost their team’s chances of getting their first win, but McConnell isn’t one who should be overlooked. Along with the young core of Okafor, Noel, and Covington, McConnell should be in the future plans for the Sixers whether it is in the starting role or coming off the bench if they are able to acquire a better option.

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McConnell plays with the passion and leadership that is needed at his respective position. To go along with a history of being a winner, the pleasant surprise that is T.J. McConnell has made a strong argument to become a part of “the process.”