Chicago Bulls: 5 free agents to compete with Kris Dunn
By Ryan Heckman
T.J. McConnell — Unrestricted
The league is chock full of guys who have worked their tails off to make an NBA roster and, eventually, make a statement. This year’s NBA Playoffs featured a guy like Fred VanVleet who did just that, coming from one of the final players to make the roster to being a key cog in a title run.
T.J. McConnell is another example of someone who has worked his whole career, both college and pro, to make a name for himself. On a team with some bigger names like the Philadelphia 76ers, McConnell found a way to break through and become a part of the rotation. Playing behind a stud like Ben Simmons can make it tough to do so, but McConnell proved he was a valuable player in Philly.
Bulls: 3 reasons to pass on Malcolm Brogdon. light. Must Read
The one thing I like most about McConnell is that he exemplifies that tough, gritty mentality which Boylen is attempting to instill in his young team. He’s already been down the road of having to prove himself. He already knows what it’s like to play every possession as if it’s the most important one of his life.
McConnell is an incredibly hard worker and does a lot of little things that may go unnoticed. He takes charges. He sets rock solid screens. He’s a solid defender. McConnell may not light it up offensively, but he would bring more of an edge to this team in the end.