McConnell likely to start at point for Sixers in opener
WASHINGTON - There has been debate over who will be the 76ers' starting point guard if Jerryd Bayless, as expected, is not available at the start of the season.
WASHINGTON - There has been debate over who will be the 76ers' starting point guard if Jerryd Bayless, as expected, is not available at the start of the season.
Most people have been learning toward the flashy free-agent signee Sergio Rodriguez. Folks talk about his passing ability and highlight-reel plays. But coach Brett Brown is comfortable with T.J. McConnell, who is a better defender than Rodriguez and can adequately run an offense.
Plus, McConnell - not Rodriguez - started the first four preseason games while Bayless is sidelined with a sore left wrist. He's also listed as the starter for the exhibition game against Washington on Thursday at the Verizon Center.
So while he lacks the pizzazz of the Spaniard, McConnell is making a case to remain the temporary starter.
Brown said the second-year player's tenacity and stellar defensive rebounding separate him from other point guards.
"He, out of all the people I have available to me now, knows me more than anybody," said Brown, comparing McConnell with Rodriguez and undrafted rookie Cat Barber. "I feel like those ingredients more than anything come to my mind [as to] why we have the confidence to let him end games."
Through four preseason games, Rodriguez is averaging 7 points, 5.2 assists, 2.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 3.2 turnovers in 21.9 minutes. The 6-foot-3, 175-pounder is making 33.3 percent of his shots. He has made 5 of 20 three-pointers.
McConnell is averaging 9.8 points, 4.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 3.2 turnovers in 25.5 minutes. The 6-2, 186-pounder is shooting 51.7 percent from the floor, including 2 of 3 on three-pointers.
"I honestly think my role for this team is the same that it always has been: Be like that spark plug on defense and that motor that goes on offense to get us in our sets," McConnell said.
He'll also be asked to knock down open jumpers.
McConnell said he doesn't care about how much he's on the court this season; his job will be the same no matter if he's the starter or seeing spot duty as the third-stringer. However, McConnell is a competitive guy. Deep down, he's determined to play a lot of minutes if not start.
"I just want to come out here and show that I'm capable of running a team," McConnell said. "I just want to come out here and do what I can to help us win. Whether that is on the defensive or offensive end, I do what this team needs me to do."
McConnell appeared in 81 games and made 17 starts last season as an undrafted rookie. He averaged 6.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 19.8 minutes.
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