The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers 2017-18 Second Unit: Post-Draft Edition

By Rusty Gorelick

Jan 21, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks to guard T.J. McConnell (1) against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 110-93. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks to guard T.J. McConnell (1) against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 110-93. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard TJ McConnell (1) dribbles past Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard TJ McConnell (1) dribbles past Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Point Guard: T.J. McConnell

T.J showed his value as a pro last season. He blossomed as a leader and showed his mental fortitude by beating out Sergio Rodriguez for the starting point guard spot early in the season and never looked back. In 26.3 minutes per game, the 24-year-old averaged 6.9 points and 6.6 assists, which are stellar numbers for an undrafted free agent in limited minutes for a starter.

Unfortunately, he will inevitably lose his starting job.  Right now, that role will likely fall to Ben Simmons. But even if the team places Simmons at small forward, the starting role will then fall to the first overall pick, Markelle Fultz. McConnell should have no qualms leading the second unit, though, as his tenacity, basketball I.Q., unselfishness, and leadership will help bring up his teammates.

Fire And Ice

The main thing that T.J. does well is make his teammates look better, and that is crucial for a second unti point guard to do. Sure, he may not be the super athletic, free-scoring floor general that is typical of a Sixth Man of the Year favorite, but the former University of Arizona guard will do the job well.

At the end of the season, McConnell said that he will “relentlessly” work on his 3-point shot in the offseason. If he can improve his long-range shooting, defenders will have to keep an eye on him as both a scorer and a passer, which will open up tons of opportunities for his teammates.