What an amazing season from T.J. McConnell.
At the beginning of the season, Coach Carlisle had to have a tough conversation with him to let him know he wouldn’t be in the 10-man rotation.
McConnell didn’t agree with Carlisle’s decision, but instead of sulking and hanging his head, he understood how special of a talent Andrew Nembhard is and gave his full support to the decision and continued to be a mentor for him.
As Nembhard battled injuries early in the season, McConnell regained the backup point guard spot and did it with excellence. He played the best basketball of his career and continued to display his leadership.
His energy and approach to the game never changed. Whether the Pacers were playing on a random Tuesday night against the Washington Wizards, or facing the New York Knicks in a Game 7 of the Eastern Semifinals, he left it all on the floor and exhibited what makes him special.
Fast forward 8 months & he was able to prove that he is the BEST backup point guard in the NBA as he led this Pacers bench on their ride to the Eastern Conference Finals. He averaged 15 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists per game and shot 50% from the field in just 24 minutes per game in the East Finals.
I have the utmost respect for T.J. McConnell. He epitomizes what Pacers basketball is all about.
The Pacers have an incredible adjusted net rating of +53.6 points per 100 possessions when TJ McConnell is on the floor against the Knicks:
On (45 minutes) = 137.0 OffRtg, 115.1 DefRtg, +21.9 NetRtg
Off (51 minutes) = 110.9 OffRtg, 142.6 DefRtg, -31.7 NetRtg
McConnell has been Indiana’s best playmaker and primary defender versus Jalen Brunson.
If the Pacers want to stay competitive in this series, it’s time to fully unleash McConnell.
I decided today that I’m going to see if I can find the restaurant with the highest number of brothers. I am on strike and have nothing better to do with my time. Please join me.
TED LASSO: Waystar Royco, huh? Well I don’t know why you’d make me CEO—I can hardly tell EPS from IBS, but what I can tell you is that I love you all very much and like the fella Rick Astley said I’m never gonna give you up
KENDALL ROY: Hugo, have this man executed
the final day has come..ladies and gentlemen..5.5 incredible years without missing a single thursday (until i just got covid). i figured we might as well do one final send off to sadly end the tradition. thank you to teddy, one of the funniest souls ever and may he rest in peace.
If Laura Palmer had time to have several boyfriends, care for Johnny Horne, do Meals on Wheels, visit an agoraphobic recluse, go to high school, be a sex worker, and still write in her diary and get high every day; you have time to write your novel.
My cousin bout 300lbs talking about how they kidnapping in Houston and she afraid. She not believing me when I keep telling her she has nothing to worry about.