Five Takeaways From Philadelphia 76ers Preseason Opener

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Jul 10, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard TJ McConnell (12) glances towards the bench during an NBA Summer League game against the Chicago Bulls at Thomas & Mack Center. Chicago won the game 83-70. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Richaun Holmes and T.J. McConnell Deserve to Make the Team

Even if they’re the last two players on the bench, Richaun Holmes and T.J. McConnell both proved that they belong in Philadelphia 76ers uniforms during the 2016-17 season.

For starters, they’re both on two of the most team-friendly contracts in the entire NBA. You’d be hard-pressed to find another duo in the entire NBA that produces as well as McConnell and Holmes for such a small price.

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And on Tuesday, McConnell was clearly the floor general when he was out there. As bizarre as it may seem, it appears that McConnell is one of the team leaders and plays like a veteran in just his second season in the league.

In a team-high 25 minutes, McConnell scored 13 points (6-11 from the field), dished out four assists and grabbed four rebounds.

Holmes, who didn’t see the floor until the second half, was the most efficient Sixers’ player on the evening. In just 12 minutes, he scored 10 points, grabbed four rebounds and had two steals with one block and one assist. He also had one of the game’s biggest highlights when he threw down a monster-dunk on a dish from Sergio Rodriguez in traffic.

Holmes also led the Sixers in net rating at +13 come games end.

McConnell and Holmes are simply too talented of players on too good of contracts to just let them walk.