T.J. McConnell mentoring Sixers' summer league players
The reserve point guard could have stayed home, but traveled to Utah to serve as an unofficial mentor.
SALT LAKE CITY – T.J. McConnell is all in.
The 76ers reserve point guard could have remained home and worked out at the team's practice facility in Camden. That's what Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are doing while the Sixers participate in the Utah Jazz Summer League.
But McConnell traveled with the summer team here to serve as an unofficial mentor. He'll also go with the squad to Las Vegas for the upcoming NBA Summer League.
"I kind of know how it felt like for me and other guys being your first summer league," he said. "I just want to be here if they have any questions for me. I'm just trying to be here for support for them and any questions they have."
He's actually doing more than that.
On Tuesday, McConnell was zipping chest passes while helping the staff put players through a shooting drill. He also has been participating in solo workouts with the staff after the shootarounds and practices.
McConnell made the Sixers as an undrafted rookie during the 2015-16 season. This past season, he started in 51 of his 81 games played, McConnell was a difference-maker, ranking 10th in the league in steals at 1.65 per game and tied for 12th in assists (6.6). He also averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds.
The 25-year-old will come off the bench this season after the additions of first overall pick Markelle Fultz and a healthy Ben Simmons and Jerryd Bayless. However, his being here in Utah shows he'll remain a team guy regardless of his situation.
Follow and contact 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers.