T.J. McConnell
Laurence Kesterson / AP Photo

T.J. McConnell told a group of Sean Miller Camp participants Wednesday that he wouldn’t be speaking to them about playing in the NBA if it weren’t for Sean Miller.

He also wouldn’t have been as motivated to visit at all if not for Miller.

Unable to come during last summer’s Miller camp, McConnell said it was a “no brainer” to make the effort this year to see his college coach and talk to the campers. He brought a Sixers player development coach with him to work him out on Tuesday and Wednesday, visited with some old friends and acquaintances, while also speaking to the participants on Wednesday.

McConnell’s return to Tucson came just as the Sixers opted to pick up the final year of his four-year contract. That means he’ll get paid $1.6 million next season, more proof that he belongs in the NBA — even though he isn’t taking it for granted.

“It’s obviously great that they picked up my option but I play with a chip on my shoulder no matter what,” McConnell said after his talk. “Nothing’s guaranteed in the NBA, so I’m never going to walk in there and act like I’ve arrived. It’s a thing for me just playing as hard as I can all the tie and continuing to just stay the course.”

Already during his three years with the Sixers, McConnell has been given constant reminders that things do change. He started one game as a rookie during the Sixers’ 10-win season in 2015-16, then started 51 games as a second year player — before going back to a reserve role much of last season (but bringing the Sixers to life during a playoff start against against Boston).

He rolled with it.

“The NBA is all about a league of change,” McConnell said. “You have to adapt to it and the people who adapt to it the best survive, unless you’re a star player. I kind of just try to do whatever the coaching staff needs me to do as long as I can get out on the court, and just try to make a difference.”

Rawle Alkins said he was greeted with “bear downs” when working out for the Lakers on Wednesday because of the obvious connections on the L.A. coaching staff.

It's been another busy week for Alkins, who already worked out for the Warriors on Tuesday and said he’s heading next to Dallas, with two others possible before the draft. He reportedly is gaining increased interest as the draft approaches.

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