TJ McConnell: 76ers Got a 'Good One' in Tyrese Maxey
Former Philadelphia 76ers guard TJ McConnell was back in the City of Brotherly Love on Wednesday night. As the Indiana Pacers were set to take on the Sixers for the second time this season, McConnell was gearing up for yet, another matchup against his former team.
Being a key player in the Pacers’ backcourt, McConnell was slated to play for 13 minutes off the bench on Wednesday night. Had the Sixers been at full strength with Joel Embiid healthy and available, the Sixers might’ve kept up with the trend of having their third-year guard Tyrese Maxey come off the bench.
Had that been the case, McConnell would’ve been tasked with guarding the young standout during his time on the floor. However, with Embiid ruled out for the night due to foot soreness, Maxey was once again inserted into Philly’s starting lineup.
Prior to the matchup between the Sixers and the Pacers on Wednesday, McConnell fielded questions about his former team. When asked about one of his assignments on Wednesday, the 30-year-old veteran praised the Sixers’ former first-round pick, Tyrese Maxey.
“He’s really good,” said McConnell. “I mean, he’s really good. That’s all I can really say. He’s come here and has performed at a high level since he’s gotten here. They got a really good one in him.”
Since getting drafted 21st overall in 2020, Maxey quickly forced himself into a key role on the 76ers. While he wasn’t a starter as a rookie, coming off the bench for all but eight of the 61 games he appeared in during the 2020-2021 NBA season, Maxey still turned heads as he averaged eight points and two assists while averaging 15 minutes on the court with a playoff-contending roster.
During his sophomore effort, Maxey was forced into a starting role in the absence of the All-Star, Ben Simmons. In 75 games, Maxey put up 18 points per game and four assists per game while knocking down 43 percent of his shots from beyond the arc.
With a big second season in the NBA, Maxey earned a permanent starting role, even when the Sixers acquired the ten-time All-Star guard James Harden. Once again, Maxey has improved his production. In 17 games this season, the young guard has put up 21 points per game while producing four assists per game.
The Sixers are surely thrilled with the progress and development of the third-year guard, and his opponents are seeing what all of the hype is about in Philadelphia.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.
