It looks like T.J. McConnell is drawing the interest of another Eastern Conference team.
The Charlotte Hornets, who are reportedly about to lose franchise star Kemba Walker to the Celtics, are “considering” McConnell among a list of several guards — including a former Sixer.
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The Hornets are in bad shape. They’re going to lose Walker, which will free up cap space, but the team will still have a few bad contracts on their cap sheet. Clearly none of the aforementioned players will take the place of the three-time All-Star Walker. It would make sense for them to sign a young point guard that hasn’t quite panned out like Payton or Mudiay and supplement that with a dependable vet like Smith or McConnell.
An undrafted player out of Arizona, McConnell, 27, was a long shot to make the team in 2015, but will now be entering his fifth NBA season. His role has fluctuated with the Sixers. He lost time last season as Jimmy Butler took over backup point guard duties. A favorite of head coach Brett Brown, there’s a chance the Sixers would like to bring him back, but clearly a team like the Hornets represents an opportunity for a much bigger role.
Wherever he goes, the Pittsburgh native will be a fan favorite thanks to his tenacity and intensity.
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