Indiana Pacers re-sign T.J. McConnell to keep him in the Hoosier State

This is great for T.J. McConnell who really worked hard to earn his place in the NBA. Last season, the 28-year-old averaged career highs in points (8.6), rebounds (3.7), assists (6.7), and field-goal percentage (55.9). More impressively, when starting guard Malcolm Brogdon was out with injury, he accounted himself very well against other starting guards. His best performance came in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks where he posted 23 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and three steals on 10/19 shooting.

Over his six-year NBA career, McConnell has played for the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers carving out a role as a playmaking point guard at 6’1 (closer to 5’11). He plays with plenty of fire, effort, hustle and despite his size, is one of the best ballhawks in the NBA. He was undrafted back in 2015 but joined the 76ers Summer League squad where he impressed. From that point on, McConnell has held his own as an undersized guard without a shot by playing with grit and commitment.

The Pacers are in a weird spot where they are caught between competing for a playoff spot or for a lottery pick in the NBA draft. A lot has been made about the future of their two centers Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner but they appear to be running it back for another season. New Head Coach Rick Carlisle is a win-now coach so it’s no surprise they will try to make it work. Indiana will look to upgrade its roster on the fringes but it’s clear their priority was bringing back McConnell.

And he has earned every bit of it.