The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: Five Players to Watch in Training Camp

By Jonathan Kelly

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Mar 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (12) drives toward the net as Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) defends during the second quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (12) drives toward the net as Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) defends during the second quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

T.J. McConnell


So now that the Sixers have loads of talent at the forward and center positions, the starting point guard role still looks questionable.

While the Sixers did ink former Milwaukee Bucks point guard Jerryd Bayless, the question remains if he is going to be their starting point guard for the season. He is the favorite to open the season as the starter but I would not consider that concrete.

Fan favorite, T.J. McConnell and newly acquired Sergio Rodriguez are going to compete with Bayless for the starting position. Both Rodriguez and Bayless are more of a score-first guard as opposed to McConnell who thrives setting up good shots for others much like Ben Simmons.

Bayless has been nothing more than a career backup for much of his career but does provide the veteran leadership to the Sixers young squad. T.J. McConnell on the other hand, averaged 6.1 PPG, 4.5 APG to go along with 3.1 rebounds per game in under 20 minutes last season.

Related Story: The Sixers Future at the Point Guard Position

McConnell has proved that he is going to battle regardless of what everyone else says his role is going to be. He continues to improve and is really starting to look like a legitimate starting point guard in the NBA. He acted as a floor general while continuing to display his ability to set his teammates up for high percentage looks.

TJ !!! #Sixers pic.twitter.com/j0hR5AlGhf

— Jonathan Kelly (@Jon_Kelly_) July 4, 2016

T.J. McConnell led all players in assists during the Las Vegas Summer league which really should not surprise anyone. If he continues to make good decisions on the floor and consistently prove that he is ready and able to serve as a starting point guard for the Sixers, Bayless is going to have a battle on his hands.

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The point guard situation is going to be something to monitor through training camp and the NBA season. If McConnell has a strong camp, do not count him out for the starting gig.