Markelle Fultz’s return should push T.J. McConnell into the starting lineup

By Christopher Kline | Dec 26, 2017

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: T.J. McConnell #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Markelle Fultz‘s return could (or should) facilitate an unexpected change to the Philadelphia 76ers‘ starting lineup.

Even with a win over the streaking Knicks on Christmas Day, it’s clear that the Philadelphia 76ers need to make some changes. Something isn’t clicking, and the offense is far too reliant on Joel Embiid as a result.

Part of the issue is Ben Simmons. He’s being less aggressive attacking the lane while teams continue to improve their defensive strategy against him. That combination has taken him out of games at times, and in turn stagnated the offense. There just isn’t enough creation outside of him and Embiid, and the jumper isn’t coming any time soon.

So that, in theory, is where Markelle Fultz comes into play. An elite isolation scorer who can space the floor and work off the ball when needed — the perfect archetype for a Ben Simmons accompaniment.

More from Sixers News

The only issue with that is Fultz might not be ready to start immediately. He avoided jumpers completely during the preseason and his four regular season games, and his confidence was shot because of it. His Twitter and Instagram feed suggest that confidence isn’t gone, but it’s tough to ask a rookie point guard under his circumstances to start and produce immediately.

That doesn’t, however, mean that Fultz’s return won’t help the team. Aside from the general boost in depth, it also gives the Sixers an opportunity to move a different, more experienced ball handler into the starting five: T.J. McConnell.

This obviously comes at the expense of Dario Saric, but it shouldn’t have an adverse effect on him. The best way to unlock Saric’s full potential is to give him more freedom as a playmaker while allowing him to shred second-tier defenses. That’s what bringing him off the bench does.

In many ways, this mirrors the Sixers’ orginial plans this summer. Play Simmons with another ball handler while letting Saric (and Fultz) go to town on backup defenders. They might have gotten the ball handler wrong in Jerryd Bayless, but that plan should work perfectly with a healthy roster in tact.

At this point in the season, the Sixers’ most effective lineups often include McConnell. He has added a new dynamic to his game with his spot-up 3-pointer, while his ability to probe the interior and hit pull-up jumpers is a weapon no other player on the team has at this point.

Must Read: Suns OutHinkied the Sixers

Again, starting Fultz should be the long term goal, but McConnell is a more-than-capable stopgap.

McConnell’s ball handling could take some of the pressure off of Simmons while keeping the ball in motion. He’s another player who poses a threat getting into the lane and who can get the ball moving around the perimeter or find open cutters when needed.

He’s one of the most underrated, intelligent passers in the NBA, and has proven time and time again that he plays well alongside Simmons and Embiid. Heck, his chemistry with the former dates all the way back to Summer League 2016.

Changes are needed, and McConnell continues to be a big part of this team’s offensive success. It’s time to embrace that, along with his defensive grit, while unlocking Saric’s playmaking prowess off the bench.

Next: 12 things I like (and don't like) about the Sixers

Once Fultz returns, that needs to be seriously considered.