Why the Indiana Pacers must re-sign T.J. McConnell

On Wednesday night, T.J. McConnell added yet another big game to his career season, tallying 19 points, 15 assists, and a big three-pointer to essentially put the game away for the Pacers.

McConnell has been big time all year for the Pacers. According to StatMuse, McConnell is the first player that has recorded multiple games of 15 points and 15 assists off the bench since 1983. McConnell has been a big-time bench player all season by bringing playmaking and tough defense each time he hits the floor.

T.J. McConnell is vital to the Indiana Pacers

This was most evident in his 16-point, 13-assist, 10-steal triple-double against the Cavaliers on 6-of-6 shooting. He will not win the award, but McConnell should get some talk for Sixth Man of the Year for the numbers he’s been able to put up off the bench.

McConnell has been the best defender on the team all season outside of Myles Turner. He leads the entire NBA in total steals with 81 and is tied for fourth in steals per game (1.7). He has constantly been able to grab the Pacers extra points and extra possessions by jumping into passing lanes and getting his hands on all kinds of passes.

Again, he will not win the award, but he should get some talk for defensive player of the year for his incredible defense this season.

McConnell is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2021. and the Pacers need to do everything they can to bring him back. It’s fair to say he has probably net himself some more money with the season he is having but he should not get offered too much for the Pacers to want to pay.

He is top-20 in total assists and assists per game and is one of the league’s top pass stealers. He is the perfect backup point guard, can fill in when starters are down, and seems to love being a Pacer, so why not bring him back?