T.J. McConnell Deserves A Philadelphia 76er Role

By Bret Stuter | May 22, 2016

Jan 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) and guard T.J. McConnell (12) talk as time winds down in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 114-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) goes up for a shot between Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) and guard T.J. McConnell (12) during the second half at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the 76ers 113-88. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Lauded

McConnell was under the radar of everyone, and that includes even Philly beat writers. Some took note that an undrafted rookie had made the team at a position of need, but in the world created by Hinkie, that in itself was no more news worthy than a thunderstorm rolling in.

But his play became noticed. In the first month or two of play, he was picked up on the radar of the rookie power rankings, coming in higher than the second pick of the NBA draft, D’Angelo Russell.

As the season progressed, so did T.J. McConnell. In fact, the undrafted rookie played in more games last year than any other player. He missed just one game in an 82 game season, and the workaholic point guard had a tremendous year.

His year was so notable, that the reserve undrafted rookie point guard received two first team votes for the NBA All-Star Rookie team. If the truth be known, had T.J. McConnell been select in the top five, his numbers warranted an NBA All-Star Rookie Team second team role.

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