The Path Less Chosen
Undrafted but not unwanted. Going undrafted has the benefit of allowing a player to direct which team he would rather play. And so, the Pittsburgh sensation signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on September 27, 2015. At the time, the Sixers outlook at the point guard position was nebulous – they had brought in Pierre Jackson, Scott Wilbekin, Kendall Marshall, and now T.J.McConnell to compete with returning Tony Wroten and Isaiah Canaan for the point guard role on the team. With the team suffering from so many injuries, they even brought on a 16th player in the form of point guard Phil Pressey to help the team out. Despite the odds, McConnell seized the opportunity.
In five preseason games, T.J.McConnell made the most of his opportunities. in five preseason games with a crowded point guard field, he averaged 22 minutes, shooting 50% from the floor to average 6.2 points per game, with 5 rebounds per game, 5.8 assists per game, 2.2 steals per game, with 2.0 turnovers per game. Despite the fierce competition at the position, McConnell earned a spot on the team roster. Tony Wroten and Kedall Marshall were still rehabbing, Pierre Jackson was injured in preseason. Scottie Wilbekin played hard but was unable to make the team. The six were now four.
But playing time is not a given, something McConnell learned quickly. He began the season coming off the bench for starting point guard Isaiah Canaan, and his play caught the attention of Brett Brown. His minutes reflected the growing confidence Brown had in his young prospect. His best streak of the season was a period from November 2nd to 11th, where he averaged 9.67 assists per game. That run earned him a spot on the rookie ladder top five, alongside teammate Jahlil Okafor.
Next: Good Enough To Start