Sixers’ stay or go at the All-Star break part two: non-guaranteed contracts

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By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly Staff

Part two of our stay or go series looks at players who do not have guaranteed contracts for the 2017-2018 season. These players could be released without any penalty to the Sixers. 

Chasson Randle – Current: $233,373

Key Averages: 9.2 MPG, 5.3 PPG, 40.0% 3P%

Chasson Randle was the recipient of multiple 10-day contracts earlier in the season. He appeared during a stretch where Sergio Rodriguez was out with an injury and did enough to earn a contract for the remainder of 2016-17 and non guaranteed money for the following two seasons. Randle added depth to the Sixers frontcourt but since signing the deal he has not been seen on an NBA floor, getting most of his time in the D-League. Randle showed an ability to put up points averaging over five points in just under 10 minutes while connecting on 40% of his three point attempts. Randle is not going to be around for the long term but he showed enough for Colangelo and the Sixers to give him a chance. You can expect to see him back for next season, albeit spending most of his time in Delaware.

Verdict: Stay

Richaun Holmes – Current: $1.03 Million

Key Averages: 15.9MPG, 6.6PPG, 52.2 FG%, 36.4 3P%, 4.3 RPG

Richaun Holmes has had an up and down second season in the pros. He has had multiple stints in the D-League with the crowded frontcourt not affording many opportunities for him. Holmes has not stopped working hard, making the most of his D-League appearances and putting up numbers in the NBA that will force him to be considered for a consistent rotation role. Holmes is an extremely athletic big who uses his length and athleticism well when battling for rebounds and challenging shooters at the rim. He has also shown a major improvement away from the rim compared to his rookie season. His field goal percentage is up a little over one point and he has improved his three point shooting from 18.2% to 36.4% in a year. The potential is there for Holmes to be a starting power forward. Look for him to enter the rotation next year as Dario Saric moves to the starting lineup and Ersan Ilyasova leaves town.

Verdict: Stay

T.J. McConnell – Current: $874,636

Key Averages: 24.9 MPG, 6.3 PPG, 77.6 FT%, 6.1 APG, 1.5 SPG

T.J. McConnell did not enter this season with high expectations. Assigned to the summer league team, it was clear that he was not guaranteed a spot on the team, especially after Jeryd Bayless and Sergio Rodriguez both appeared to be upgrades over the undrafted player. McConnell made the team out of training camp for the second year and looked to be third on the depth chart. McConnell was fortunate that Jeryd Bayless suffered a season ending injury and Sergio Rodriguez missed a stretch of games that allowed McConnell to see more playing time and experience life as a starter. Ever since he was given the opportunity, he has not looked back. McConnell has been referred to as the heart of the team and his work ethic comes through in every game he plays. His defense has improved rapidly while his playmaking has been at the same level of the games elite. McConnell ranks in the top 10 in the NBA averaging eight assists per game since 2017 began. the Sixers are playing their best basketball in four years with McConnell running the offense and it is no coincidence. He furthered cemented his place in the starting lineup when the Cleveland Cavaliers called to acquire McConnell and the Sixers were not willing to let him go. McConnell can expect his job to be there next year.

Verdict: Stay

Keep an eye out for part 3 looking at the teams remaining backcourt players.

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