Does T.J. McConnell Give Sixers Confidence to Pick Simmons?

Comparable to Michael Carter-Williams?

Invariably, the ultimate litmus test of the Philadelphia 76ers fan is the eventual outcome of point guard Michael Carter Williams (MCW). In fact, the team had just under a two year audition for the eleventh pick of the 2013 NBA draft to determine his status with the team. The die was cast when the team traded MCW as part of a three-way deal that netted the team the first round draft pick of the Los Angeles Laker (top three protected this year).

Before the trade, MCW had won the NBA rookie of the year as a 76er. Yet while he was a proficient scorer (career average 14.5 points per game) and could shovel the ball to teammates (career assists 6.1 per game) he had peaked in the eyes of president and general manager Sam Hinkie. You see, he played on average 34.2 minutes per game as a 76er, and his accuracy dropped from 40.5% as a rookie to 38.5% in his sophomore season.  His shooting was volume based, and very dependant upon driving to the basket. His long range shot was just 26% accurate while a 76er.  But the two key metrics for the point guard role is assists to turnovers , which came in at 1.79 and 1.75 for MCW, while his steals per assist fell from .53 to a career low .44 while a 76er.  He generated 441 assists for the team in his rookie season as the hands down starter.  To get a look at MCW’s shot chart, click here.

But the team is not without a point guard with high upside.  Casting a net far and wide, the team discovered undrafted Arizona’s T.J. McConnell in the search for point guard talent. While his chances with the team were not favorable, he rose to the challenge and earned a spot on the team, and then onto the court.

While T.J. McConnell has only earned just 19.9 minutes per game, and scored a modest 6.1 points per game, he has made very effective use of his court time.  He has 308 assists so far this season now, with games remaining to play, on nearly half of the playing time of MCW.  While he is less proficient at scoring, his 47.8% shooting from the floor is far more accurate.  His shots also are no as dependant upon driving to the basket, as his range has been a fairly successful 32.9% from beyond the three point arc.  The same two key metrics, when drawn from McConnell, come in at 2.5 assists per turnover and steals per assist at a more impressive .67.  To get a look at T.J. McConnell’s shot chart, click here. 

McConnell is more than just a warm body on this roster. He’s earned an optimistic projection. While he is not going to play a selfish “watch me take the ball to the hoop” style, his selfless manner is more fitting for a team that is pushing hard to becoming a champion caliber force to be reckoned with.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers Talent Raided By Other NBA Teams

Only time will tell if T.J.McConnell can have the type of NBA career that lands him a starting role on a playoff team.  But for now?  He’s earned the right to play for the Philadelphia 76ers.   And with his insurance on the roster, the team can stretch to fill the point guard role with a top NCAA prospect.