A few NBA fans can’t believe T.J. McConnell is in the league. There are moments he understands them.
Imposter syndrome? “I got it bad,” the Indiana Pacers guard said on a recent edition of the “Young Man and the 3” podcast.
“I have this chip on my shoulder where I don’t think I belong,” he said. “It’s something that has motivated me and continues to motivate me to this day, to go out there and prove that I can play even though I’ve been here 10 years.”
The 33-year-old is in his sixth season with the Pacers after four with the Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged 10 points and 4.6 assists in the first-round series victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
The 6-1 reserve point guard who referred to himself as a “prototypical Indiana basketball player” during the podcast revealed the secret to his longevity.
I genuinely believe that playing hard is a skill,” he said, noting he created his identity as a constant full-court defender. “If you make live hell for the other team … it gives you a chance to make a roster.”
McConnell has frequently stolen possessions when opponents are less than vigilant when inbounding the ball. The Pacers have adopted the full-court defense identity to accompany their push-the-pace offense.He isn’t afraid to engage with opponents or their fans, but he has one rule: “I won’t seek out talking (expletive) to anyone. I’ll always finish it.”
I was super embarrassed but sometimes you gotta tip your cap,” he said.
McConnell preceded coach Rick Carlisle and Tyrese Haliburton in coming to the Pacers, and has seen them transform into a playoff team.
“You’ve gotta give credit to Rick. They changed the whole offense and gave the keys to Tyrese and said, ‘Here you go. Do what you want.’
About the Author
