The Sixer Sense
Fansided

8 Worst Philadelphia 76ers starters of the Joel Embiid era

By Jonathan Geib

Oct 20, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on during the anthem before action against the Milwaukee Bucks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on during the anthem before action against the Milwaukee Bucks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard TJ McConnell (1) battles with Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the third quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won the game 105-99. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard TJ McConnell (1) battles with Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the third quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won the game 105-99. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

TJ McConnell (2016-17)

TJ McConnell, aka Mr. Triple Double, was the heart and soul of this team for a number of years. McConnell was an undrafted player who started his college career at Duquesne, before making his way to the University of Arizona where he would be a part of an Elite 8 run for the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament during his senior year.

Throughout each stage of his basketball career, McConnell had to fight to prove his worth. This was no different in the summer of 2015 when he earned a roster spot for the Sixers following his Summer League play after going undrafted. From undrafted to his current $33-million contract with the Indiana Pacers, McConnell is a success story rarely seen in the NBA. His hard work ethic and grit made him one of Philadelphia’s favorite sons.

McConnell never cheated the game and left it all on the floor.

It feels wrong to include TJ on this list, but we have to be realistic. The 6’1″ guard started 51 games for the Sixers during 2016-17, which is more games started than the rest of his seven NBA seasons combined. There is the proof clearly presented. TJ McConnell, regardless of your feelings about him, is not an NBA starter.

He averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game for the Sixers during that season which is unacceptable for a starting point guard. It does not take away from what he meant to this city or how he made the fans feel with his energetic and passionate play. It is just a fact he was one of the worst starters during the Embiid era.