T.J. Says Goodbye to Philadelphia, the Sixers
T.J. McConnell took to Instagram today and in a lengthy post poured his heart out to Philadelphia. McConnell hit all the right notes in his farewell.
Class
His reference to the city “adopting” him perfectly encapsulated how most fans feel about him. Throwing in a reference to the “City of Brotherly Love” was a nice touch as well, especially in conjunction with him referencing the Sixer organization as a “second family” to him. His three photo montage also perfectly depicted him sequentially in Sixer red, white and blue.
Always the classy individual, McConnell’s post emitted the same selfless vibe as his play on the court and support of his teammates while on the bench (Talking to you Markelle Fultz). His post comes a day after McConnell officially signed a two year $7 million contract with the Indiana Pacers. Rather than offer a similar deal to retain McConnell’s services, the Sixers have signed Raul Neto and Trey Burke to one-year deals. Decisions that, ironically, seem to be supported by a majority of the same Sixer fans who adore McConnell. In a recent Sixer Nation Twitter poll, 76% of over 1,200 respondents were very excited by the Trey Burke signing.
Right Place Right Time
One would probably be hard-pressed to find a better example in NBA history of a player being in the right place at the right time than T.J. When he showed up for Sixer summer league camp four years ago opportunity was knocking. The MCW era was over, and the point guard situation consisted of the likes of Tony (Wrecking Ball) Wroten, Isaiah (Cannon Ball) Canaan and Kendall (Super Slow) Marshall. The Sixers had even let Ish Smith temporarily leave for New Orleans. His main competition for a roster spot at the time was former Florida standout Scottie Wilbekin. While T.J.’s summer league performance was not stellar, the Sixers and Brett Brown were clearly pleased with his cerebral approach on the floor. McConnell would win the spot over Wiblekin who has subsequently spent the last four years playing overseas (with pretty good success).
Even with the good fortune that was the Sixers 2015-16 point guard situation, T.J.’s biggest break (pun intended) came the following year just prior to the start of the 2016-17 season when Ben Simmons broke the fifth metatarsal bone of his right foot. This, coupled with the loss of newly signed back up point guard Jerryd Bayless to a season-ending wrist injury, created a wide-open door for T.J.
Belonging
Beginning with that 2016-17 season McConnell barged through that door. Over the course of the next three seasons, he transformed himself from a fortunate fringe NBA prospect, into a legitimate NBA player. In the process (pun again intended) he also became a Philadelphia fan favorite and cult figure of sorts in the city. Philadelphia fans will forever hold a place in their hearts for him. His Sixer career staples include backcourt sneak attack steals, baseline dribble maintaining probes and his buzzer-beater over Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks.
By the time T.J.’s two-year contract in Indiana is over he will have amassed career earnings approaching $12 million. Not bad for a gritty “orphan” from Pittsburgh.
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