Philadelphia 76ers: Why T.J. McConnell can be a starter

In a classic Philly underdog style, T.J. McConnell rose from an undrafted point guard to an impressive player. Can he ascend to a starter?

Two and half years ago, the Philadelphia 76ers inked a deal for a 6-foot-2 undrafted point guard from Arizona: T.J. McConnell.

One process, two losing seasons and several assets later, McConnell withstood the fray and is now an integral part of a prospective playoff roster. McConnell became the first player in 76ers history to record a triple-double off the bench in Monday’s 108-92 win over the New York Knicks.

The 16-point win was the 10th straight victory for the home squad at the Wells Fargo Center.

McConnell deservedly received national attention for his performance Monday night. His stuffed stat-line served as tactical proof of McConnell’s steady growth as a Sixer.

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However, because of his humble beginnings, McConnell is assumed to remain a bench player with the Sixers.

I believe there is a case for McConnell to ascend into a starting role.

Super Teams are unrealistic

According to an article by NBA.com writer Steve Aschburner, a “super team” has some very distinct qualities. His definition entailed, in summary:

• Two or three stars on the roster with the ability to carry a franchise.
• The stars were brought in by free agency after “obvious, recognized success”
• The team must be a “reasonable contender”
• Stories about ball-sharing and personality-meshing emerge

His article, which studies the history of the NBA super team, lays out the most memorable stacked squads in the association’s history.

Point blank: (in my opinion) super teams happen but they are rare. Seasoned players, as opposed to blossoming youth, are often the ingredients in the recipe of Super Teams.

Therefore, with all this in mind, presently the Sixers don’t seem to be enclosed in the “pro” section of the super team Venn diagram. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, the two franchise cornerstones, and potential superstars are young. There’s no rush to empty wallets for a superstar point guard to accompany Simmons and Embiid as they grow.

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Granted, if LeBron James were to fall into the Sixers laps in free agency, no one would complain. However, with a realistic lens, it’s very plausible that a role-playing guard could be a soldier in the Sixers starting lineup for the next few years.

That guard could very well be Mr. McConnell.

Defense

According to the Sixers website, McConnell is one of only three Sixers to average over one steal a game. However, McConnell is the only Sixer to do so while not suiting up as a starter regularly.

McConnell is also 12th among NBA point guards in steals this season, according to ESPN. All 11 of the point guards ahead of McConnell average at least 29 minutes per game. Conversely, McConnell sees the floor 24.5 minutes an evening.

Simply put, in five and a half minutes less time, McConnell’s steal numbers stack up with the elite swipers of the NBA.

In addition, the eye test proves McConnell loves to pick up full-court and challenge impending inbounds passes. In the early minutes of a game, pressing defense such as McConnell’s can be of huge aid.

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I’d imagine that early in an NBA contest, several players are still easing their way into the flow of a game. The intensity may not be as high. Stifling defense like McConnell’s could cause some early turnovers and breed some leads while the game is young.

With the way the Sixers have lost leads this season, any way to create extra separation from the outset is of paramount importance.

Philadelphia 76ers position shuffle

Because of Simmons’ ball-handling and height combination, it’s hard to place a position on him. The 6-foot-10 LSU talent starts at point guard but possesses the height and ability to play as a power forward too.

If McConnell were to start with Simmons, the two could share ball-handling responsibilities. That could add a nice wrinkle to the early Sixers offense.

In the hole that McConnell would leave, Markelle Fultz could have a smooth transition in leading the second unit. As a number one pick, I’d expect for Fultz to hit the starting lineup himself down the line.

For those who argue McConnell wouldn’t be suited to play off the ball, I’d be willing to test it out. With Embiid, Simmons, and two shooters between J.J. Redick, Robert Covington, and Dario Saric on the floor, McConnell would see some open looks.

McConnell is shooting over 50 percent on field goals and three-pointers this season, according to the Sixers website. If he’s able to get his feet set from the outside, the third-year point guard fires away at a great clip. Plus, if a defender were to try to collapse on McConnell, he is proven he can slip into the lane and flip-up his famous fadeaway from the paint.

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Despite whatever side you take on this argument, everyone can agree that T.J. McConnell has come a long way since he started his career in Philadelphia, and his rise up the league ranks may not be done yet.