5 Reasons for Philadelphia 76ers to Keep T.J. McConnell

Doesn’t miss time

T.J. McConnell played the most games out of any Sixers player last year. The Sixers had huge injury issues throughout last season, often having to sit two to three guys a night. But McConnell was almost never one of those players, playing in 81 out of 82 games.

Not only does this show that McConnell rarely gets injured, but it shows that head coach Brett Brown trusted him enough to play him in every game, where other players were often sat out. With McConnell, you knew what you were getting every night. He was very consistent.

McConnell’s non-injury season isn’t just because he has a tough body. When watching McConnell, he isn’t afraid to go up against other players and risk an injury, but he does also appear aware and careful of how he may be putting his body at risk. Good balance on T.J.’s part also allows him to land upright most of the time; it was rare for us to see McConnell on the ground last year.

Next season, when Simmons, Saric, and Embiid are all rookies, they will not be playing anywhere near 80 games. Each of them will probably play an average of 60 with injuries, Embiid not playing back-to-backs, and general rest nights.

McConnell will still be good for 80, barring any major injury.

Next: Fits in second unit behind Simmons