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Pacers guard T.J. McConnell named a finalist for 2023-24 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award
McConnell is the first Pacer to be a finalist in three years
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell has been named a finalist by the NBA for the league's 2023-24 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award.
The honor is designed to reward the player who is "deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment and dedication to team," per the NBA. Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday is the two-time reigning award winner, and he has taken home three of the last four.
Last year, executives chose the finalists and NBA players voted on the winner, landing on Holiday. This year, McConnell was one of the nominees. The last Pacer to be nominated was Malcolm Brogdon is 2020-21.
"He's super valuable," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of McConnell over the weekend. The 32-year old guard is averaging 9.7 points and 5.4 assists per game this season.
Throughout his time with Indiana, multiple teammates have gushed about McConnell's leadership abilities. He is a terrific locker room presence and frequently connects with his team's younger players.
"He's a very selfless guy and he looks to put others first. He's always been trying to help me in any way, on and off the court, just to feel comfortable," Pacers second-year guard Andrew Nembhard said last season. "I think that's the biggest thing he's done for us is make us feel comfortable."
Wing Kendall Brown agreed. "He's being positive and bringing a competitive nature every day. You see it on the court, he's always getting the crowd fired up with the plays that he makes. It's just an overall good teammate to play with."
The other finalists for the award this season are Harrison Barnes, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Mike Conley, Markelle Fultz, Al Horford, Larry Nance Jr., Georges Niang, Dwight Powell, and Jalen Williams. There are six nominees in each conference, and the winner will be named at a later date.
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