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

By Josh Wilson

Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with guard T.J. McConnell (12) during a break in the action against the Orlando Magic in the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with guard T.J. McConnell (12) during a break in the action against the Orlando Magic in the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. Golden State won the game 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. Golden State won the game 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Backup to Simmons

T.J.’s biggest opponent may be Ben Simmons going into training camp. The insanely good blend of physique and basketball skills allow him to be a master passer in the NBA, and he’s shown that off at a high level in summer league already. That’s what McConnell does best, move the ball, so having a player that can do that as well as score is a threat to McConnell.

Of course, the Sixers need to put together a second-unit, however, and McConnell may be the perfect ball-moving substitute for Simmons in that second unit.

Although one could argue Dario Saric is fit to play the three spot, he will likely end up playing as a power forward in the second unit. Here’s a look at the possible five players that would take the floor in place of the starting lineup. This is an early projection, but at this point, it seems accurate.

Some adjustments may need to be made to this due to the liabilities this roster has on defense. McConnell is one of the only lock-down defenders on this five-man group, and Covington is okay, but there are huge threats in the frontcourt with Saric and Okafor.

Next: How the Center Position Needs to Improve in 2016

From an offensive standpoint, however, this group would kill it.

The main point here is that McConnell offers the Sixers the ability to have a ball-moving player even when Simmons is off of the floor, and that makes him valuable even with Simmons on this squad.