5 Guards the Washington Wizards Could Target in Free Agency
By Ethan Smith
T.J. McConnell
T.J. McConnell does not put up the most impressive per game averages, but he does have one of the more impressive motors in the NBA.
While the small, scrappy, high-motored description of a white guy in the NBA is beyond cliche in 2019, McConnell fits it to a tee. That attitude would seem to fit in nicely with the culture of accountability that Tommy Sheppard seems to be building with the Wizards. Between draft picks and undrafted free agents, Sheppard is showing an affinity for players with production over potential. See Rui Hahcimura, Admiral Schofield, and Justin Robinson.
McConnell struggles to shoot from distance (33 percent last season) but makes up for his lack of shooting with tenacious and active defense. Through his first four seasons in the NBA, McConnell has posted a 108 defensive rating. While shooting is paramount in today’s NBA, the Wizards need defenders more.
If the Washington Wizards do not have the money to buy big talents or are not attractive enough as a destination, at least they can get players that work hard. Nobody is going to question that when T.J. McConnell’s on the floor.