76ers' T.J. McConnell: Comes off bench in opener

McConnell came off the bench to produce seven assists, two rebounds and two steals across 16 minutes in Wednesday's 103-97 loss to the Thunder.

Analysis:

McConnell was bypassed for the start at point guard in favor of Sergio Rodriguez, who put up 12 points, nine assists and no turnovers in his 32 minutes. That efficient outing should allow Rodriguez to stick as the 76ers' starter while Jerryd Bayless (wrist) remains out, though McConnell may be able to cut into his workload a little more in the games to come. As his zero-shot attempt night illustrates, McConnell is more than willing to play the facilitator role when necessary and offers solid defense, skills that may occasionally make him a better fit with the top unit than Rodriguez might.