TJ McConnell is finding color with the Pacers

At first we thought that he could be a big “winner”.the long absence of Tyrese Halliburton. Except the season hasn’t started yet TJ McConnell sent back to the infirmary, injured in the tendons.

A test for a playmaker who was rarely injured during his career. In 10 seasons in the big leagues, he fell just short of reaching the 70-game milestone twice. However, he broke his right wrist in December 2021 and did not return to the field until April 2022.

« Not everything was positive. I’ve never injured a muscle before, so I think the recovery process was harder than I expected, especially on breathing and legs. I’m doing everything I can to keep working on this », today brings a replacement after his latest injury.

« I was expecting some fluctuations in the tempo of the game and my flow, but I feel like I’m starting to get back into it », continues the leader who was mainly concerned with finding his feet. The 33-year-old had little trouble getting things going again in his first matches. As was his scoreless outing (0/4) ten days ago against the Pistons.

Production starts to rise again

Only since this failure has McConnell made excursions of a completely different caliber. In the last four outings, he is averaging 14 points (63% on shots including 40% from distance), 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Production close to his usual standards with the Pacers.

« TJ is a real fighter. He wants to give his best, but he forgets that he is a bit older and that he had a hamstring injury. We all want to see him back as TJ right away, but that takes time. I always try to tell him to be patient with himself, to be good to himself, because we know what he’s capable of. “But you can’t rush the process. You’ll be back.” », Sacalite Pascal.

The fact remains that in his absence, like many other guards, the Pacers have sunk. With 2 wins and 16 losses, they are in last place in their conference. And his return, while helping to restock the bench, hasn’t directly affected the Indiana-based team’s results.

Rick Carlyle considers himself nothing less than “ of great importance » for the team. ” Thanks to that the energy he brings and the way he wows the crowd at home. He lifts the morale of his teammates, no matter what happens, be it positive or negative. He is a very positive person. It is clear that he is starting to feel much better and is getting back into his rhythm “, notes his coach.

No more missing now that the Pacers are winning again.