ESPN REPORT: How T.J. McConnell Went from Out of the Rotation to an Indispensable, Crucial Piece of the Indiana Pacers
When the 2024–2025 NBA season began, T.J. McConnell was barely a blip on the radar of national conversations about the Indiana Pacers. With a younger, flashier backcourt headlined by Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, and a roster increasingly built around speed and size, many assumed McConnell’s role would be minimal — if he had one at all.
Fast forward to the end of the regular season, and T.J. McConnell isn’t just in the rotation — he’s become one of the most crucial players on the team. ESPN’s latest deep-dive report explores how the veteran guard transformed himself from benchwarmer to game-changer, emerging as a heartbeat for a Pacers squad that stunned the league with its chemistry, grit, and overachievement.
Out of Sight, Not Out of Spirit
McConnell started the season with limited minutes, often sitting entire games as a healthy scratch. “It was hard,” McConnell admitted. “I’m a competitor. You want to help your team, and when you’re not out there, it tests you mentally more than physically.”
Rather than sulk or demand a trade, McConnell leaned into what he’s always done best — working hard, supporting teammates, and staying ready. He showed up early for practices, led scout-team drills, and continued to mentor younger players.
Head coach Rick Carlisle noticed. “T.J. never complained. He just kept showing up, pushing the pace in practice, always ready. That type of leadership doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Opportunity Knocks — And T.J. Answers
The turning point came mid-season, when injuries hit the Pacers backcourt. Haliburton missed several games with a nagging hamstring issue, and McConnell was thrust back into the rotation. From that moment on, he never looked back.
In his first five games back in meaningful minutes, McConnell averaged 13 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals — all while shooting over 60% from the field. His hustle plays, floor generalship, and infectious energy completely shifted the pace and attitude of second-unit lineups.
“He plays like a man possessed,” said teammate Myles Turner. “The ball is barely in his hands and it’s already moving. He brings fire.”
Numbers Tell the Story
According to ESPN Stats & Info, the Pacers are +8.7 in net rating when McConnell is on the floor — one of the highest differentials among bench players in the entire NBA. His pick-and-roll chemistry with backup bigs, especially Isaiah Jackson, turned the second unit into one of the league’s most efficient.
His 4.8 assists per game in just 18 minutes of play ranks among the league’s top assist rates per 36 minutes, highlighting just how impactful he is in limited time.
Leadership Beyond the Box Score
What makes McConnell so invaluable, however, isn’t just stats — it’s presence. His leadership has helped establish a team culture rooted in humility, communication, and grit. He’s the loudest voice on the bench, always encouraging and directing. In tight games, he often finishes on the floor — not just because of his defense, but because teammates trust him to steady the ship.
“He’s the kind of guy every good team needs,” Carlisle said. “He may not fill highlight reels, but he wins you games.”
A Future Secured?
While T.J. McConnell’s contract runs through the next season, there’s already talk inside Indiana’s front office about extending him again — possibly into a player-coach role. Fans chant his name. The locker room respects him. The coaching staff relies on him. In a league dominated by flash, McConnell represents something else — substance.
What was once an afterthought is now an engine. What was once overlooked is now indispensable.
