Arizona Basketball: TJ McConnell deserves to be NBA 6th Man of the Year

Former Arizona Basketball point guard TJ McConnell deserves to be 6th Man of the Year in the NBA.

As another regular NBA season is down the home stretch, it’s time we start thinking about those who deserve recognition for their efforts. Passion. Desire. Work ethic. Intensity. These are all characteristics that describe one man and one man only, TJ McConnell.

In his third year in the NBA, what he has done is simply remarkable. Many thought he had no chance at making it to the next level and now look. Not only has he performed well, but he has proved to be one the most valuable players coming off the bench and a legitimate candidate for 6th Man of the Year.

As each year passes by, McConnell continues to get better, continues to excite his fan and continues to perform at an elite level among the elite talent. Playing alongside the likes of Joel Embid and Rookie of the Year candidate Ben Simmons, McConnell has been that added piece to the puzzle; making his team a dangerous team come playoff time.

More from Cats in the Pros

• From Arizona Wildcat to New York Yankee, Austin Wells gets called up
• Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s FIBA World Cup performance is reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s
• Rawle Alkins a star in the Drew League this summer
• Former Wildcat Scooby Wright wins Second USFL Title
• The Edmonton Elks have re-signed former Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate

Recently Joey DiProsperos of our sister site, The Sixers Sense, wrote why he thinks McConnell deserves to be 6th Man of the Year in the NBA. He puts it best when he says:

"TJ, like RoCo, is a living embodiment of trusting the process. The undrafted, third-year point guard out of Arizona, who had to beat out five other guards just to make the team his rookie year, has gone from being essentially expendable to becoming a staple on this Sixers squad."

His teammates love him. Fans love him, and former Wildcat fans love him. He has the whole package! McConnell has that likable characteristic and is that glue guy, similar to Rawle Alkins was for Arizona this past season. McConnell is somebody who you just want to be around on and off the court. On the court, his court awareness and creativity are one of a kind:

For the season, McConnell has averaged 6.7 points per game, 4.2 assists per game, 3.1 rebounds per game and 23.8 minutes per game. He has only started in one of the 64 games the 76ers have played, but that has not stopped him from have an efficient and impactful season.

In his first three seasons in the NBA, McConnell has consistently played well and even has improved his three-point percentage all the way to 43.1% and his FG percentage to 85.2%. But it’s really not about the stats. It’s about the things that don’t show up on the stat sheet when you talk about McConnell. It’s about his hustle, understanding of the game and making smart decisions with the ball.

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/22/2018.

This past season, McConnell became the first player ever in Philadelphia 76er history to record a triple-double off the bench. Let me repeat that. A triple-double off the bench!! Enjoy the video below to relive this historic night:

Must Read: More on Cats in the pros

The Sixth Man of the Year award has been given out since the 1982-83 season, and only one former Wildcat has received that award, Jason Terry. It’s time another former Wildcat to win this award. He deserves it! McConnell, we couldn’t be prouder of what you have accomplished in your young NBA career. Way to Bear Down TJ!