T.J. McConnell has come a long way since his time as a fifth-string point guard for ‘The Process’ Sixers
“It was one of those things where if I’m not going to make the team, I’m going to go down swinging,” said McConnell, who has gone on to have a successful career with the Indiana Pacers.
T.J. McConnell has come a long way from his time as an undrafted rookie hoping to make the 76ers’ roster.
Now in his 10th season, the reserve point guard is now a fan favorite for another team — the Indiana Pacers.
The 32-year-old reflected on his career before facing his former team Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
» READ MORE: Sixers’ Kelly Oubre finding his place alongside the Joel Embiid-Tyrese Maxey two-man game
“Honestly, it’s like one of those things where you blink, and you are like, ‘Where did those 10 years go?’” McConnell said. “It’s crazy to think about. I really hadn’t reflected on it honestly, just kind of enjoying this while I can.”
The Western Pennsylvania native agreed to a four-year, $45 million contract extension that will keep him with the Pacers through the 2028-29 season. The former Arizona Wildcat — and Duquesne star — also will be inducted into Arizona’s ring of honor later this season. But McConnell began his NBA journey as the Sixers’ fifth-string point guard during the 2015 training camp. At the time, the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder didn’t even have a locker.
McConnell was asked Friday if he could name the five other point guards on the roster that season.
“Pierre Jackson, Tony Wroten, Scottie Wilbekin, and Isaiah Canaan,” McConnell said, “and Ish [Smith] was [acquired] later.”
The Sixers acquired Smith in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicanson Dec. 24, 2015.
McConnell averaged 6.4 points and 4.7 assists in 314 games with 72 starts with the Sixers before signing a free-agent deal with the Pacers on July 29, 2019. Since then, he averaged 8.7 points and 5.4 assists during his first 337 games in Indiana entering Friday’s game.
» READ MORE: How does Joel Embiid feel during this injury-riddled season? Paul George understands more than most.
“It’s kind of one of those things where I felt like I went out there and earned what I’ve gotten and just put my head down and gone to work and let the chips fall,” McConnell said of what he’s most proud of. “And kind of not have any regrets with it.
“But I owe a lot to [former Sixers assistant Chris Babcock]. He was here in Philly. He would be in the gym with me three times a day before I made the team. It was one of those things where if I’m not going to make the team, I’m going to go down swinging.”
Martin and Bona ramping up
Sixers reserves Caleb Martin (right shoulder impingement), Adem Bona (left knee tendinopathy), and Kyle Lowry (lower back spasms) missed Friday’s matchup.
Bona missed his third consecutive game, while Martin has been battling injuries for most of the season. Both players are listed day-to-day. Lowry’s status is to be determined.