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Philadelphia 76ers Season In Review: Backcourt

By Simon Smith

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (1) and guard Nik Stauskas (11) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (1) and guard Nik Stauskas (11) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Cavaliers Turned Away In Pursuit Of Philadelphia 76ers' T.J. McConnell
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

T.J. McConnell, PG

Year:  2nd Season
2016-17:   81 GP. 26.3 MPG, 6.9 PPG, 6.6 APG, 3.1 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 46.1 FG%, 20.0 3P%

T.J. McConnell started the season as the Sixers’ backup point guard, coming off the bench to support newcomer Sergio Rodriguez. But when Rodriguez was sidelined for three games with an ankle injury, McConnell took the reins for the remainder of the season.

In 51 games as a starter, McConnell averaged 8.6 points, 7.8 assists and 1.9 steals in 30.5 minutes per game. However, the area in which McConnell struggled mightily all season, both as a starter and a reserve, was his three-point shooting.

Hitting at a 20 percent clip for the season on 0.7 attempts per game for the season (and 20.5 percent on 0.8 attempts as a starter) was a glaring weakness.

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    • Among players in the league who played at least 50 games and  averaged at least 20 minutes and 0.7 attempts per game, McConnell ranked dead last in three-point accuracy.

    For a player at just 6-foot-2 and without blinding speed or any other discernible physical attributes, this area of his game clearly needs addressing.

    In his time as a starter, McConnell’s 7.8 assists per game ranked seventh in the league among players who started at least 50 games. Considering the Sixers ranked 27th in the league shooting at a 44.1 percent clip, this is an impressive feat.

    Overall, McConnell can lay claim to leading the league in one category: passes per game. McConnell led the league with 69.4 passes per game, despite averaging the fewest minutes of those in the top 13.

    It’s safe to say that with better shooting surrounding McConnell, his assist numbers could nudge double figures per game.

    Furthermore, McConnell’s assist-to-turnover ratio was among the elite in the league. For players who played in at least 60 games and averaged at least 24 minutes per game, McConnell ranked fifth with a 3:36 ratio.

    McConnell’s most impressive performance this season came during a narrow loss to the Boston Celtics. Playing 37 minutes, McConnell posted nine points and a career-high 17 assists. He connected on 4-of-6 from the field and was a team-high +10.

    With Simmons set to take the starting point guard role next season, McConnell’s progression will be interesting to monitor.

    Grade: B-