TJ McConnell emerged as a cult hero for the Indiana Pacers during their NBA Finals run last season. The 33-year-old guard was a huge reason why the team pushed their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games, especially when Tyrese Haliburton was on the sidelines.
During a recent appearance on The Young Man and the Three podcast, Haliburton made sure to give his Indiana Pacers teammate his props.
“I always say that TJ (McConnell) has helped me become great because in practice every day – most days in practice – I lose. I lose the majority of days in practice because of him. And that’s made me want to be a better player – a better practice player. He’s pushed me in so many different ways,” Haliburton stated.
McConnell posted averages of 9.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 53.7 percent shooting from the field during the Indiana Pacers’ playoff run last term. The Arizona product is under contract until the 2028-29 season.
Indiana Pacers News: Tyrese Haliburton plans to retire iconic on-court celly
Tyrese Haliburton caught the attention of fans when he did the choke sign after converting the game-tying shot to force overtime against the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.
Speaking with Spike Lee on The Young Man and the Three podcast, the Indiana Pacers floor general admitted he won’t do the infamous celebration again anytime soon.
“I can’t do it again… If I do it again, it has to be the perfect moment,” Haliburton said.
