April 13, 2016
If you saw T.J. McConnell on the street walking around, he wouldn’t particularly stand out. Standing at 6’2” with a fairly average build, simple haircut and a little chin stubble, McConnell doesn’t look like a professional athlete.
That is what he does for a living, though. Playing on a Sixers team that has lost 71 games, McConnell is fairly anonymous unless you’re a close follower of the team. All of this brings up a humorous anecdote from Mike White of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
T.J. McConnell had just finished a recent game with the Philadelphia 76ers when he and his father, a few family members and some friends decided to visit an establishment within walking distance of Wells Fargo Center. T.J. was first to the door when a worker announced there was a $10 cover charge, but free admittance with a 76ers ticket stub.
“He played,” said Tim McConnell, pointing at his son.
The worker still wanted $10.
“No, you don’t understand. He played in the game,” Tim McConnell tried to reason.
No matter. It was $10.
I would guess the establishment in question is Xfinity Live, but it doesn't matter. Despite his unusual anonymity as an NBA player, McConnell has a chance to stick in the NBA. Of the 23 rookies that have logged over 800 minutes this year, McConnell ranks 12th in win shares, which isn’t an easy thing to do playing on the worst team in the league. He has done an admirable job running the second unit.
So, maybe there is a chance he sticks around long enough to get into the bar free of charge next year.
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
