Philadelphia 76ers guard TJ McConnell is Joel Embiid’s “Mini Me”

Similarities to Joel Embiid

While certainly not equal dimensionally, there are several similarities when comparing guard T.J. McConnell to Joel Embiid in terms of attitude.  Since arriving on the Philadelphia 76ers as an unsigned free agent, McConnell has endured his share of disdain. Each time he confronts a new day, there are new reasons for spectators to cite his eventual dismissal from the team: whether the signing of Ish Smith or Jerryd Bayless and Sergio Rodriguez, or even drafting top pick Markelle Fultz.

“Playoff teams don’t fold in the second half” – T.J. McConnell

Each time, McConnell simply ups his game,
learns from his teammates, and delivers an
even more compelling reason to remain in the rotation.

McConnell talks Embiid-ise

So too have naysayers haunted Joel Embiid throughout his two-year rehabilitation, taunting his progress and citing his future in the NBA as a ne’er-do-well. He too has infused that energy to improve his game and refute the early dismissal from the NBA.

At halftime against the Utah Jazz, with the Philadelphia 76ers up 47-36, McConnell stepped up for a halftime interview.

“We have to step up in the second half. Playoff teams don’t fade in the second half.” proclaimed McConnell.  Few players are courageous to talk NBA playoffs despite an absence of multiple years.  On the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid dares. And so does T.J. McConnell.