TJ McConnell, the point guard who wasn’t drafted, has signed a four-year, $45 million deal with the Indiana Pacers. This deal keeps him as a key player until the 2028-29 season. His top season saw him score a career-high 10.2 points per game in the regular season and 11.8 in the playoffs. This led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference finals.
At 32, McConnell has made a big mark in the NBA, starting with the Philadelphia 76ers without being drafted. Now with the Pacers, he’s known for his passing, defense, and leading the team. His skills make him a top player on the court.
Early Life and College Career
TJ McConnell, an NBA point guard for the Indiana Pacers, started his journey in Western Pennsylvania. He went from his high school days to a successful college career. Growing up in Pittsburgh, he attended Chartiers Valley High School, where he became a top basketball player.
High School Standout
In his senior year, McConnell was the team captain. He averaged 34.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game. This earned him first-team all-state honors and the title of Pennsylvania Class 3A Player of the Year.
His great performance helped his high school win a WPIAL championship and get to the state championship game.
College Journey
After high school, McConnell played college basketball at Duquesne University for two years. There, he was named the Atlantic 10 Freshman of the Year and made the All-Defensive Team as a sophomore. Then, he moved to the University of Arizona.
At Arizona, he helped the Wildcats reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament in 2014 and 2015. He was named first-team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 All-Defensive Team in his senior year.
Throughout college, McConnell showed his amazing skills. He earned many awards and led his teams to success. His hard work and dedication set the stage for his professional career.
TJ McConnell Professional Journey
After the 2015 NBA Draft, TJ McConnell didn’t get picked. But he didn’t give up. He joined the Philadelphia 76ers and made their team right away. He played for four years, becoming a key player off the bench.
During his time, he was known for his tough defense and making smart plays. In 2018, he made history by getting the first triple-double off the bench for the 76ers. This showed how versatile and important he was to the team.
Then, in 2019, McConnell moved to the Indiana Pacers. There, he became a go-to player for his skill and reliability. Over four seasons, he showed off his defensive skills, setting a record with nine steals in one half in 2021.
Throughout his NBA career, McConnell has achieved a lot. He’s had several triple-doubles, including one with steals. He’s also been great at shooting and scoring, with a high of 29 points in one game and 20 in the playoffs.
Now 32 and 6 feet 1 inch tall, McConnell’s career shows his hard work and dedication. He keeps making a big impact with the Indiana Pacers. His story is a true inspiration in basketball.
Pacers Floor General
Since joining the Indiana Pacers in 2019, TJ McConnell has become a key player. He works as the main facilitator and floor general. His amazing passing skills make him the assists leader for the Pacers. He helps set up the offense and creates chances for his teammates to score.
But McConnell does more than just pass the ball. He’s a defensive specialist, often leading the league in steals. His hard work and defensive skills have made him a beloved player in Indiana. His efforts have been key to the team’s success, including their run to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2023-24 season.
Impact on the Pacers
McConnell’s skills and high energy have helped the Pacers a lot. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. His versatility and consistent play off the bench were impressive.
In the playoffs, McConnell’s impact grew. He averaged 11.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His defensive plays were crucial in helping the Pacers move forward.
McConnell controls the game’s pace and makes timely plays. His unique midrange game and hustle have won him respect from teammates and fans. As the Pacers grow with their young players, McConnell’s leadership and playmaking will be key to their future success.
| Season | Points per Game | Assists per Game | Steals per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 10.2 | 5.5 | 1.0 |
| 2022-23 | 8.0 | 5.5 | 0.9 |
| 2021-22 | 7.6 | 4.8 | 1.1 |
TJ McConnell Career Highlights and Milestones
TJ McConnell has made a mark in his nine-year NBA career with many achievements. In 2021, he set a record with 9 steals in a half. He also became the first player since 1998 to get a triple-double with points, steals, and assists off the bench.
His skill set has shown in his career with several triple-doubles. This highlights his all-around talent.
TJ McConnell has been key in both regular seasons and playoffs. He helped his teams make it to the postseason and reach new heights. His play has been crucial for the Indiana Pacers’ success, leading them to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in a decade.
As TJ McConnell moves forward in his career, his hard work, versatility, and top-level performance have made him a respected player. His record-setting and team success have made him a rising star in the NBA.
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FAQ
Who is TJ McConnell?
TJ McConnell is a point guard in the NBA, playing for the Indiana Pacers since 2019. He’s known for his great passing, defensive play, and leading the team on the court.
What is TJ McConnell’s background?
TJ McConnell comes from the Pittsburgh area and was a top basketball player in high school. He led his team to a WPIAL championship and made it to the state finals. In college, he played at Duquesne University and the University of Arizona, earning awards for his skills.
How did TJ McConnell’s professional career start?
TJ McConnell didn’t get drafted in 2015 but signed with the Philadelphia 76ers right away. He made the team’s starting lineup and played there for four seasons, becoming a key player off the bench.
What role does TJ McConnell play for the Indiana Pacers?
With the Pacers since 2019, TJ McConnell is a vital part of the backcourt. He’s the main passer and leader on the court. He’s known for his top-notch passing and defensive work, often leading the league in steals.
What are some of TJ McConnell’s notable accomplishments?
In his nine-year NBA career, TJ McConnell set a record for most steals in a half with 9. He was the first player since 1998 to get a triple-double with points, steals, and assists, all while coming off the bench. He’s also had multiple triple-doubles, showing his all-around talent.
