In the final stretch of the Pacers' season, Tim McConnell witnessed a side of his son, T.J. McConnell, that surprised even him.
Back in high school at Chartiers Valley High School in Bridgeville, Pa., T.J. McConnell was a scoring machine, dominating opponents with his speed, skill, and court vision. But as he progressed to college at Duquesne and Arizona, and then to the NBA with the 76ers and Pacers, scoring took a backseat. At 6-1 and 190 pounds, he focused on facilitating and playing tough defense. However, at 32, in a season where his role wasn't guaranteed, McConnell had his best scoring season yet, showcasing a diverse offensive game that has evolved significantly since his high school days. Despite the modern NBA's focus on threes and dunks, McConnell's unique attacking style, though not flashy, has proven effective against taller and longer defenders.
According to his father, Tim McConnell, "In high school, he knew he had to score. When he went to college, it wasn't that way. He became a pass-first point guard. And in the NBA for eight years, he was a pass-first point guard. And for just some reason this year, especially after the All-Star break, I mean, I'm not even sure I'm watching the same kid." McConnell's transformation into a scoring threat has been crucial for the Pacers, who secured a playoff spot with a 47-35 record, entering a playoff series against the Bucks.
Despite playing fewer minutes this season, McConnell averaged 10.2 points, shooting an impressive 55.6% from the field and 40.9% from three-point range. His playmaking ability remained sharp, with 5.5 assists per game. His per-36 minutes stats were even more impressive, with 20.3 points and 10.9 assists per 36 minutes. McConnell's scoring surge became even more critical after Bennedict Mathurin's injury, forcing him to step up as a key offensive option off the bench.
The Pacers' success this season can be attributed to their high-octane offense, leading the league in scoring, assists, and field goal percentage. McConnell, though unlikely to win Sixth Man of the Year, finished with impressive stats, ranking 11th in total points off the bench and second in bench assists.
Teammate Tyrese Haliburton praised McConnell, calling him "one of the best, if not the best backup point guard in the league." Even LeBron James acknowledged McConnell's skills, naming him "one of my favorite players in the NBA right now."
McConnell's journey from an undrafted player known for his defense to a scoring threat in his ninth NBA season is a testament to his resilience and determination to prove doubters wrong. His ability to adapt and excel in different roles has made him a valuable asset to the Pacers and a player to watch in the playoffs.
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