Positional Power Rankings: 30 best point guards in the NBA

Mar 13, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) pushes Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) away from LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 114-108. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

T.J. McConnell

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T.J. McConnell wasn’t supposed to become a quality NBA point guard. He seemed destined to be the classic college point guard who lacks the explosiveness or jump shot to cut it at the next level. McConnell went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft and picked up a free agent offer from Philadelphia. He managed to spend most of the year in the 76ers rotation as a rookie, a surprise to some.

The firing of Sam Hinkie and subsequent promotion of Bryan Colangelo was supposed to represent the end of the “The Process” era of the 76ers. Jerryd Bayless and Sergio Rodriguez were brought in this summer to man the point guard position, which was supposed to move McConnell out of the rotation. Not only has that not happened this season, but he has managed to start 40 games for the 76ers and give them their best play at the position.

McConnell’s 6.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game aren’t flashy. His per 36 minute averages of 11.1 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds are solid, however, and represents what he is capable of when given extended run. McConnell isn’t flashy, but plays point guard in an old school manner that has helped the 76ers actually win basketball games this season. He distributes the ball well, is just enough of a scoring threat as a floor general, and rarely makes mistakes. McConnell ranks fourth in the league in assist-turnover ratio. Additionally, he is a gritty defender and is solid on that end. He is a real NBA player and has shown that this season.

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