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I’ve heard opposing announcers say “TJ McConnell is probably having the best game of his entire career” in like 3 straight road games. He’s been doing this, but nobody cares.
It’s crazy to hear for those who have never watched TJ play consistently, but he is legit one of the best players in the NBA; often he’ll take over games and will be the best player on the court. I always wonder what he could be doing starting for a team like the Suns or Lakers, and what type of recognition he’d be getting.
TJ is AMAZING. I think you really could have touched more on the intangibles he brings to the table. I've watched TJ single-handedly turn several games around for the Pacers this season. His efficient scoring is only a small part of it. He also gets very timely steals and involves his teammates as much as possible. It's hard to measure it, but he shifts the entire momentum of games by inspiring his teammates and demoralizing his opponents. The Pacers bench was incredible in the first half against the Thunder, recently. They had a run that took them from 10 points down to 10 points up after the starters had trouble. They absolutely crushed 3 waves of Thunder, put the team back in the game, and gave the starters some much-needed rest and motivation. It was some of the best "right way" basketball I've ever seen. They had the ball zipping around, everyone touching it, scoring, buckling down on defense... And TJ was right in the middle of it, orchestrating it all. There are very few PGs in the league that can step in for Haliburton, but TJ is that guy. If you'd told me 10 years ago that my favorite player would be a short white guy, playing off the bench, that can't dunk or shoot 3s, I would have told you that you're out of your mind, but here we are...
awesome reply! Hes been one of my favorite players since he was discovered by my sixers. Unfortunately back then he rarely got love , I was told he sux. One point I'd like to add , McConnell has actually started taking and making 3's towards the end of season and in the playoffs.
@@MAXIMUSWE You're right. Teams have been hedging towards leaving him open on the perimeter instead of letting him drive. He still passes on those shots pretty regularly. Except for when... I also didn't tell of the legend of Bloody TJ. When TJ's blood is shed upon the court of play, his soul becomes one with the entire sport of basketball, and he gains the ability to drain 3s without missing. This miracle was first witnessed against the Atlanta Hawks, in the final game of the season.
@MrMagnaniman Oh wow! I'll have to look that up! Considering McConnell averages : 10.2 ppg and 5.5 apg in only 18 mpg... Imagine how much production he could put up as a starter playing 30 -35 mpg....I think he'd reveal himself to actually be one of the better point guards in the NBA. 18 ppg & 8-10 apg would not surprise me.
@@MAXIMUSWE Maybe. He plays pretty hard to get those numbers and he's over 30. As far as the Pacers go, with their incredibly fast pace, I don't think he can play many more minutes than he does.
@MrMagnaniman For some reason it won't show me the rest of your comment . But I don't think being 31 matters. I've watched him his entire career , he's at his best right now , and whether he's playing 10 minutes or 30 he always plays with the same pace and energy. Thats what makes him the best backup point guard in the NBA , he's always been hella gritty and high energy. It wouldn't change starting.
TJ shows that even the shortest player on the court can live in the paint if they're crafty. I'm amazed at how many defenders he leaves flatfooted, his game surprises people 🤣
I am hoping my Sixers bring him in to start next to Maxey. We need a dependable, smart point guard like him. I think McConnell has shown - if he were to get even 25 -30 mpg he'd be one of the better starting point guards in the league. 10.2 ppg and 5.5 apg in only 18 mpg! Crazy high production. Nobody ever really mentions how good he is on defense either. Amazing video! Well done! Thank you for showing McConnell some love! McConnell is probably my favorite pure point guard in the league. I love Tyrese Maxey as well - but hes more of a scorer , and has to be for the sixers. McConnell could really control and pace our offense much better while making minimal mistakes. Hes just so efficient in anything he does. Hes a stabilizing presence the Sixers need to take the next step I believe.
TJ McConnell - has earned a chance to start. His production in only 18 mpg , tells me if he played 25 to 30 mpg he'd statistically be one of the best point guards in the league , I already think he is - now its just time to give him the minutes so his statline can reflect that. If he keeps taking 3's like he has lately , its only a matter of time before someone makes him a starter ....I hope my sixers grab him and Toppin. Unfortunately Morey seems to only like guys who jack up 10 3's a game like Harden 😑
Loved watching him as a sixer. He runs sprints and trys so hard and is going 100 every possession, maybe that’s why the limited minutes cause if you are putting that much effort you’re going to get gassed. Off the bench he totally changes the flow of the game and his plus minus is always solid.
