Philadelphia 76ers Two-point Stance: McConnell And Covington Are The Keys to future success

Some may think that they know what lineup is best for the Philadelphia 76ers, but statistically, some might be surprised with the best lineup.

There hasn’t been much to be excited about in the city of Philadelphia. The Philadelphia 76ers are now 1-28, one of the worst starts in the history of the National Basketball Association and the history of basketball itself.

But there is reason (and perhaps more than just one) to be hopeful. A hope that these young players can continue to grow, progress and learn. In particular, there’s young talent to build around Jahlil Okafor. Especially T.J. McConnell, Richaun Holmes and Robert Covington, who are players that can be valuable contributors for years to come.

Lets start with T.J. McConnell:

More from The Sixer Sense

The point guard has been a topic of discussion for the Sixers ever since Michael Carter-Williams was traded away to the Milwaukee Bucks, but the University of Arizona product is someone the Sixers could use for years to come. Also, he deserves more minutes. Here’s why:

In November, the rookie showed why he deserves to be the starting point for the time being and why he could be a valuable contributor as his career goes on. McConnell played in 16 games and started 13 of those games. In those 16 games, he averaged 6.4 assists and 8 points per game, while shooting close to 52 percent from the field. His offensive rating during the month was 100.1, which is pretty good for a first year player.

The more he is on the floor, the better the Sixers perform overall on both ends. The team is horrid defensively (26th in the NBA with a 108 defensive rating). When McConnell plays between 30 and 39 minutes, the Sixers’ offensive rating is 106. The defensive rating is the same, as well, at 106.

The most-effective lineup the Sixers has had this season featured McConnell at the point guard spot.

	Net (Per 100 Poss)
Rk	Lineup	Tm	MP	FG	FGA	FG%	3P	3PA	3P%	eFG%	PTS	TRB%	AST	TOV ▾
1	I. Canaan \| R. Covington \| J. Grant \| T. McConnell \| N. Noel	PHI	22:56	+8.8	-12.8	+.174	+10.2	+13.4	+.136	+.250	+11.6	+12.8	+3.2	+10.7

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/20/2015.

With McConnell and Isaiah Canaan paired together in the lineup, The Sixers defense and offense are consistent at a rating of 106 each. Canaan has an offensive rating of 112 when he’s with McConnell on the court.

The Sixers are just a better team with McConnell on the floor:

	Team
Split	Tm	MP	eFG%	ORB%	DRB%	TRB%	AST%	STL%	ORtg
On Court	PHI	720	.503	22.7	74.4	48.1	56.2	8.5	99.7
Off Court	PHI	672	.431	20.1	76.3	46.9	53.4	7.7	88.4
On − Off	PHI	52%	+.072	+2.6	-1.9	+1.2	+2.8	+0.8	+11.3

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/21/2015.

Robert Covington:

Covington started the season in consistent form, wearing street clothes on the sidelines because of injuries. But Covington is huge X-factor when he plays more than 30 minutes.

When Covington is on the floor for 30-plus minutes, he helps the Sixers tremendously. He has played 10 games in which he has been on the floor for more than 30 minutes. In those 10 games, Covington had an offensive rating of 102, while shooting 44 percent from beyond the arc. In those games, he’s averaging 17.2 points a game, along with 7.9 rebounds. What is Covington’s offensive rating when he plays 10-29 minutes? 66.

Defense? Oh, yes, he’s also effective. Covington’s defensive rating is below 100, 97 to be exact. He’s also forcing a lot of turnovers. In the 10 games, Covington has 30 total steals. Covington’s rating when plays less than 30 minutes is 108.5.

Rk	Age	Date	Tm		Opp		MP	FG%	3P	3PA	3P%	TRB	AST	STL	PTS ▾
1	24-348	2015-11-27	PHI	@	HOU	L	38	.583	6	9	.667	7	5	8	28
2	24-352	2015-12-01	PHI		LAL	W	34	.500	5	11	.455	5	4	0	23
3	24-342	2015-11-21	PHI	@	MIA	L	32	.545	3	6	.500	6	0	2	21
4	24-356	2015-12-05	PHI		DEN	L	30	.462	5	12	.417	10	2	2	18
5	24-344	2015-11-23	PHI	@	MIN	L	35	.429	3	9	.333	6	1	3	18
6	24-362	2015-12-11	PHI		DET	L	34	.313	3	9	.333	9	2	2	18
7	24-364	2015-12-13	PHI	@	TOR	L	32	.357	5	12	.417	9	0	0	15
8	24-358	2015-12-07	PHI		SAS	L	31	.625	2	5	.400	6	2	0	13
9	24-350	2015-11-29	PHI	@	MEM	L	37	.556	2	4	.500	7	4	7	12
10	24-346	2015-11-25	PHI	@	BOS	L	35	.250	2	8	.250	14	0	6	11

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/20/2015.

The Sixers’ most efficient lineup is when Covington is at the stretch-four position on the floor.

	Net (Per 100 Poss)
Rk	Lineup	Tm	MP	FG	FG%	3P	3P%	eFG%	PTS ▾	DRB	TRB	AST	STL
1	I. Canaan \| R. Covington \| J. Okafor \| J. Sampson \| H. Thompson	PHI	19:12	+15.6	+.223	+5.6	+.133	+.263	+69.3	+25.2	+16.0	+1.8	+5.8
2	I. Canaan \| R. Covington \| J. Grant \| T. McConnell \| N. Noel	PHI	22:56	+8.8	+.174	+10.2	+.136	+.250	+11.6	+15.0	+6.0	+3.2	-7.8
3	I. Canaan \| R. Covington \| J. Grant \| J. Okafor \| H. Thompson	PHI	21:18	+6.2	+.145	+0.5	-.114	+.159	+4.3	+7.8	+1.2	+8.0	+4.4

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/20/2015.

McConnell and Covington have made a strong cases that they deserve to be a part of the process and future key players for the Sixers. It may be hard to watch right now for Sixers fans, but they have two promising pieces with these two guys. Covington and McConnell are becoming more than a shooter and a passer for a team that desperately needs production. The future is bright for these two players.