Indiana Pacers: Ranking TJ McConnell among 5 best backup point guards

Ranking Indiana Pacers’ TJ McConnell among best backup PGs – No. 4: Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks

Speaking of career years, Dallas Mavericks point guard Jalen Brunson also tallied across the board individual highs last season. Functioning as new Pacers coach Rick Carlisle’s go-to option in the second unit alongside Tim Hardaway Jr., the 25-year-old averaged a solid 12.6 points and 3.5 assists per contest on a very efficient 52.3/40.5 shooting clip.

Brunson thrived both on and off the ball, managing to keep defenders honest and occupied with his presence while superstar Luka Doncic was the center of attention. In all honesty, Brunson should have gotten serious consideration for the Sixth Man of the Year award, in which he was questionably left off the list of finalists.

Despite a coaching change in Dallas, Brunson should serve as one of the team’s best options come crunch time once again next season. Alas, he should be one of the biggest benefactors of Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd, who will now man the sidelines for the Mavericks.