Philadelphia 76ers rumors: T.J. McConnell’s potential suitor is a poor fit
The Philadelphia 76ers backup point guard T.J. McConnell has a potential suitor, but his fit with that team is less than ideal.
T.J. McConnell is one of the many players that the Philadelphia 76ers have entering free agency this offseason. McConnell has been a fan favorite with this gritty style of play and his role in “The Process”. However, re-signing the backup point guard isn’t guaranteed. In fact, there’s at least one other team rumored to be interested in his services, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7.
Suns not shopping the 6th pick for a veteran point guard as per reports. A few names to keep an eye on in free agency are Cory Joseph, Pat Bev, Darren Collison, TJ McConnell.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) June 4, 2019
It’s no surprise that this rumor came up before free agency. Besides the fact that McConnell went to college at the University of Arizona, in October of 2018 the Phoenix Suns offered the Sixers a second round pick for McConnell, a deal in which Philly declined. There’s also the fact that the Suns just hired the 76ers former assistant coach Monty Williams as their head coach. Phoenix is in desperate need of a point guard to pair with star shooting guard Devin Booker.
More from The Sixer Sense
- 3 Sixers players who could help Team USA Basketball
- 76ers 2k24 ratings: 3 most underrated players on Philadelphia roster
- 76ers head coach Nick Nurse bares lofty plans for Paul Reed this season
- Grade the Trade: 76ers swap Tobias Harris for superstar PG in mock deal
- Sixers Podcast: Danny Green returns + James Harden bombshell
As of now, the Suns only have two point guards guaranteed to be on their roster for next season. Both Elie Okobo and De’Anthony Melton just finished up their rookie seasons. While both showed promise, they aren’t ready for a serious role as a starter or possibly a backup on a playoff caliber team. Despite the fact that Phoenix has a serious need at point guard, McConnell isn’t a great fit there.
The main reason being is that McConnell can’t be what the Suns need at the point guard position. With core pieces like Booker and Deandre Ayton, the supporting cast needs to be able to space the floor.
That was a problem for both Melton and Okobo last season. Melton shot 30.5 percent from the 3-point line and Okobo shot 29.5 percent from behind the arc. McConnell isn’t much of an improvement from that regard. Last season, he shot 33.3 percent on 0.6 attempts from downtown. For his career, he’s shot 33.5 percent from deep.
Another aspect to consider is that he’s not great playing off the ball. While he did show the ability to do so while playing alongside Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler this past season, he’s at his best with the ball in his hands making plays for his teammates. It showed this past season as he averaged a career low 3.4 assists per game. Booker is a ball dominant shooting guard, so McConnell’s effectiveness as a playmaker would be limited in Phoenix.
Despite being a gritty defender, McConnell struggles defending more athletic guards. That and his inability to his 3-pointers at a high percentage was the reason why he wasn’t in the Sixers regular rotation for the playoffs. Overall, McConnell isn’t a starter in the NBA and the Suns are searching for a starting caliber point guard this offseason. With Melton and Okobo, there isn’t room for McConnell on Phoenix’s bench either. McConnell’s fit in Phoenix just isn’t a good one.
Next. Harris in USA World Cup team’s training camp. dark
McConnell might not fit well with the Suns, but could fit in well on the Philadelphia 76ers bench. He probably won’t be Simmons’ backup next year, but he would be a great third string point guard for the Sixers if he re-signs. He’s a great character guy that Philly should want keep on the bench if he’s willing to take a hometown discount.