PHILADELPHIA — In 2015, the Philadelphia 76ers brought in a scrappy guard out of Arizona and gave him a chance to play in the NBA. For four seasons, T.J. McConnell battled adversity and doubt as he chased an NBA dream. He overcame the challenges and has become a fixture in the league.
During his four years with the Sixers, McConnell averaged 6.4 points and 4.7 assists and he became a vital piece of their success. He even saved the Sixers in Game 4 of the 2018 playoffs against the Boston Celtics when he scored 19 points in a start. He joined the Indiana Pacers in the 2019 offseason.
As he made another return to Philadelphia on Wednesday night, McConnell was thankful for his time with the Sixers as they gave him his opportunity in the league.
“I wouldn’t be sitting here and talking to you guys without my opportunity playing here,” he said. “So I’m forever grateful for this place and its fans, the organization so it’s always a special, special moment when I come back and take it all in again.”
Tyrese Maxey, who was drafted after McConnell was gone, is continuing to climb the ladder toward being a perennial All-Star. As he continues to work his way back from injury, Maxey had 17 points, six assists and five rebounds in the win over the Pacers.
“He’s really good,” McConnell said of Maxey. “That’s all I can really say. He’s come here and has performed at a high level since he’s gotten here, and they got a really good one in him.”
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