2017 NBA Draft: Markelle Fultz in Philly Rumor, Impact for TJ McConnell?

The NBA Draft is one day away, and there’s a possibility of a major blockbuster trade that would impact the future of TJ McConnell.

Rumors. Last week leading up to the 2017 NBA Draft has been crazy with some rumors circulating. The latest one is the BLOCKBUSTER trade between the Boston Celtics, who have the No.1 pick and the Philadelphia 76ers, who have the No.3 pick.

This latest rumor would have the Celtics trading their No.1 pick (which most agree will be Markelle Fultz), to the 76ers for their No.3 pick this year – and multiple picks in upcoming drafts. If this does happen, TJ McConnell’s role on the team would be impacted, or at least he would have to compete again. As we saw in Los Angeles, Brandon Ingram did not start, and he slowly got into the rotation.

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This past season McConnell was the starting point guard for 51 out of the 81 games he played. He averaged 27 minutes, seven points and seven assists per game. With the addition of Fultz (whose natural position is point guard), McConnell’s role would become more of a backup point guard.

The other possibility would place McConnell at the one spot and Fultz at the two spot. While at Washington, Fultz averaged almost 23 points per game, shot 48% from the field and 41% from 3pt range. He can play the one or two and find ways to create shots for himself. If Fultz plays the two spot, McConnell will have the opportunity to use his vision on the court to give Fultz looks at the basket.

Overall, adding Fultz to the starting lineup provides the 76ers with multiple options. McConnell provides that ‘piece to the puzzle’ in getting others involved:

Joel Embid tweeted his interest in Fultz:

Even ESPN feels the same way – even though they left one player out (TJ McConnell):

Dario Saric of the Sixers feels that TJ should be a key component to the team this next season:

McConnell is one of the most adored players on the team among his teammates, and the team also regains Ben Simmons from injury. Simmons and McConnell played very well together last year in Summer League, that was when D’Angelo Russell hit the winning buzzer shot against the Sixers. Well, that’s not going to happen again, D’lo is headed to Brooklyn to play with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

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Hopefully, the 76ers will do the right thing and either keep McConnell in the starting lineup or as a key contributor off the bench. Whatever may happen, we all know one thing – TJ knows how to BEAR DOWN!