Indiana Pacers season review: T.J. McConnell emerged as a leader

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 29: T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against Jeff Teague #55 of the Boston Celtics at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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T.J. McConnell, Indiana Pacers – Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

How did Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell grade out?

The Pacers found a reliable guard option behind Malcolm Brogdon. McConnell was a focal point of the rotation that saw the floor more often than not. His 26 minutes per game were good for eighth on the team but would have ranked sixth if not for the handful of games played by Victor Oladipo and T.J. Warren.

McConnell was Indiana’s sixth man by a considerable margin and he even deserved some love for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. In terms of the overall impact on a nightly basis, I’m not sure how many guys on the Pacers were better than McConnell. Sabonis’ offense and Turner’s defense were arguably the only things more valuable than McConnell’s hustle last season.

For a team that missed the playoffs and had plenty of disappointing performances, McConnell was not at fault. His offensive bag is a bit deflated which limits his impact but when you understand what you are getting with McConnell, he shines.

Final grade: B+

Not having a three-point shot or the confidence to shoot the ball when he’s left open certainly hurt McConnell and the Pacers last season. His hesitation to pull the trigger showed just how limited his offense is. Still, his ability to run the offense and share the rock kept him involved.

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