Philadelphia 76ers Season In Review: Backcourt
By Simon Smith
Sergio Rodriguez, PG
Year: 5th Season
2016-17: 68 GP, 22.3 MPG, 7.8 PPG, 5.1 APG, 2.3 RPG, 39.2 FG%, 36.5 3P%
Returning to the league after a six-year absence, Sergio Rodriguez was signed to a one-year, $8 million contract to provide experience and stability to a youthful Sixers team.
Rodriguez started in 29 of his first 30 games before a minor ankle injury relegated him to a backup role upon return. As a starter, Rodriguez averaged 9.7 points and 6.3 assists with a very commendable 2.54 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Rodriguez had seven or more assists on 21 occasions, including four games in double figures. Notably, eight of these 21 games came in a reserve role. Furthermore, the area which set Rodriguez apart from fellow point guar McConnell was his proficiency from three-point range.
Rodriguez was able to hit two or more three-pointers on 27 occasions compared to just once for McConnell. Hence, his 36.5 percent accuracy compared favorably to McConnell’s 20.0 percent for the season.
Rodgriguez’s most impressive performance was a 21-point, seven-assist performance against the Phoenix Suns. In 26 minutes, Rodriguez shot 8-of-12 from the field, including 4-of-8 from downtown.
At 30 years of age and on an expiring contract, it’s unsure at this stage if Rodriguez will return to the Sixers next season. Their activity in the upcoming free agency period will most likely decide the future of Rodriguez in Philadelphia.