Sixers backup McConnell wants more
T.J. McConnell is starting to get a better understanding of the NBA's tempo. The 76ers point guard understands "who needs the ball, what play should be called, defensive rotations and on-ball, pick-and-roll defense," coach Brett Brown said. "You hear me talk about Jahlil [Okafor] being in 30, 40, or whatever pick-and-rolls a game. NBA point guards are the same, constantly in pick-and-rolls.
T.J. McConnell is starting to get a better understanding of the NBA's tempo.
The 76ers point guard understands "who needs the ball, what play should be called, defensive rotations and on-ball, pick-and-roll defense," coach Brett Brown said. "You hear me talk about Jahlil [Okafor] being in 30, 40, or whatever pick-and-rolls a game. NBA point guards are the same, constantly in pick-and-rolls.
"He's developed in a big way there."
The 6-foot-2 rookie has settled in nicely as Ish Smith's backup. He also is making his mark.
He's the league's only player to record seven or more assists in 15 or fewer minutes in three games this season. The former Arizona standout is the first Sixer to accomplish that feat since the 1985-86 season.
McConnell was averaging 6.0 points, 4.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 21.2 minutes per game heading into the game Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns. His 58 steals led all rookies.
He started several games while Kendall Marshall and former Sixer Tony Wroten rehabilitated knee injuries. However, he has settled into the backup point guard role ahead of Marshall since Smith was reacquired and Wroten was released on Dec. 24.
"I'm not comfortable in the role," he said of being Smith's backup. "I think if you get comfortable in anything that you do, that's when you get complacent. That's when you get your spot taken. But I kind of go in there and play as hard as I can for how many minutes I can and run the offense and just be tenacious on D."
'World class' practice facility
The Sixers revealed a construction photo of their 125,000-square-foot training complex, scheduled to be completed before the start of next season.
The complex on the Camden waterfront will be the largest practice facility/team corporate office in the NBA.
Philadelphia Business Journal reported Monday that Firstrust Bank is providing the Sixers with a $44 million construction loan for the structure. In June 2014, New Jersey awarded the team $82 million in tax credits over 10 years to build the facility on the waterfront.
The structure will have two regulation basketball courts with 10 baskets located around the gym, a 2,800-square-foot locker room as well as state-of-the-art performance, recovery, wellness and hydrotherapy room. There will also a press room, a film room, a balcony, a players' restaurant and business operations offices.
The basketball operations facility's roofing, windows and exterior wall should be in place by mid-May.
"In designing the basketball operations facility we pulled inspiration from the most cutting-edge sports medicine, wellness, and recovery practices from leagues, teams, and sport disciplines across the world," general manager Sam Hinkie said in a statement. "We challenged ourselves to create a 24/7 destination for our players' physical and mental needs."
Brown called the structure off-the-chart great. "It is world class," he said. "It is cutting edge. It is elite."
Wroten eyeing Knicks
It appears that Wroten has a nice landing spot in mind.
Wroten, who still lives in Philadelphia, was asked Monday night on Twitter about his chances of signing with the New York Knicks. His responded, "Hopefully, they're high."
He also was asked about possibly playing with Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis.
"Would love to," he tweeted. "Playing in [Madison Square Garden] is a dream of mine. Nothing like it."
87ers spotlight
Jordan McRae scored 61 points to set an NBA Development League record as the Delaware 87ers defeated the Canton Charge, 130-123, on Tuesday at the Bob Carpenter Center.
- Keith Pompey