Indiana Pacers exit interviews: T.J. McConnell was a shooter, veteran, and pace setter. That's everything the Pacers needed him to be
T.J. McConnell has never been known for his jump shot, or his efficiency in general. Instead, he has been praised for his ability to organize his team, control the pace of a game, defend, and be a leader.
This year, though, McConnell finally added efficiency to his skillset. He knocked down 44.1% of his three-point shots, a career high. His free throw percentage was a career high, too. Inside the arc, he maintained his accuracy. Altogether, McConnell finished with a 59% true shooting percentage, a career best and above average number in the NBA.
Given his shot profile and his low number of free throw attempts, that's remarkable. He sniffed a 50/40/90 season and fit in well with the Pacers system, which helped him take a step forward in his age 31 season.
"My ability to be able to kind of shoot the ball from three and shoot it with confidence and break open that part of my game, I think it was huge for me and has unlocked stuff for me in future seasons," McConnell said at his exit interview just after the 2022-23 season ended. His willingness to shoot grew throughout the season, and he attempted 1.3 triples per game over the final calendar month of the season. That would be a career high in his career.
"I'm pleased with how I shot it and look forward to continuing to add to that," the veteran point guard added. He has been working on his shot for a while, dating back to when he re-signed with Indiana in 2021. He now has enough confidence in his shot to take jumpers without feeling like he needs to distribute and search for a better look from a teammate.
McConnell added the shot without sacrificing from the rest of his skillset. He still was a pest on defense and led the team in steal percentage. As a point guard, he kept the second unit organized and dished out nearly 10 assists per 36 minutes. McConnell only added to the team's high-pace identity.
That all led to the Pacers having a -1.18 net rating with McConnell on the court. That is, of course, below average. But that number fell to -4.16 with McConnell on the bench, in large part thanks to a defensive rating drop. The 31-year old played with Indiana's second unit often, and that group frequently defended better than the starting five. But McConnell was a big part of that, and his impact was strong.
"I feel like we showed the league what we are capable of," McConnell said of the Pacers. "I know teams didn't like playing against us for how fast we play."
All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who McConnell gushed about at his exit interview, set the Pacers style and pace. But McConnell was able to execute it. Indiana's pace actually rose slightly when McConnell entered the game. The fact that the Pacers were able to maintain their identity regardless of what unit was on the court was important.
On top of his on-court play, McConnell maintained his high-level locker room impact. At times, that's cliche. But it's a part of what makes the eight-year pro so valuable to the blue and gold.
"Just a young, energetic group that's hungry to get better. It was an incredible group to be around, and we certainly have a bright future with the talent we have on this roster mixed in with older guys," McConnell said of the Pacers. "Just really excited to see what the future holds for us."
From October 19 to April 9, T.J. McConnell gave the Pacers his all. He was a leader for others, an organizer, a pace setter, and now a shooter, too.
"People would bring it up, for sure," McConnell said of his season nearly being a 50/40/90 year. "It was funny. It's cool to be able to break through like that and have a season like that."
Indiana, and McConnell, will hope that all continues next year.
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