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T.J. McConnell’s NBA journey continues with the Indiana Pacers

By David Rosen

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 09: T.J. McConnell #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball against Malcolm Miller #13 of the Toronto Raptors in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 112-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 09: T.J. McConnell #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball against Malcolm Miller #13 of the Toronto Raptors in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 112-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Former Arizona Wildcats point guard T.J. McConnell is now going to be a member of the Indiana Pacers after.

The journey of T.J. McConnell in the NBA continues as he signed a two-year $7million contract with the Indiana Pacers. After playing four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, he will begin his 5th season in the league as a Pacer. The once undrafted Arizona Basketball point guard has now been given a chance to showcase his talents for a new city.

He provided Phily fans and players with many memorable moments. From a game-winning shot against the New York Knicks in Madsen Square Garden to becoming the first-ever 76ers to record a triple-double off the bench, McConnell legacy as a 76er won’t be forgotten. As he begins a new chapter in his basketball career, Pacers fans look for more of that same McConnell magic.

During his time as a 76er, many felt like he deserved to see more action, especially during clutch time. Maybe if he was inserted into the lineup more during these past NBA Playoffs, he could have provided that extra edge they needed to win and advance into the NBA Finals. We’ll never know.

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Over four seasons with the 76ers, McConnell averaged 6.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 22.0 minutes per game. Those stats don’t blow you away, but it was all the things that didn’t show up on the stat sheet that made McConnell a valuable member to the 76ers.

He will be joining a Pacers team that acquired starting point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, Malcolm Brogdon. McConnell will likely be playing behind him and competing for minutes alongside Darren Collison.

Signing just a two-year contract doesn’t guarantee anything long term for the Pacers. McConnell will need to prove his worth to the team by taking advantage of the opportunities he is given during the 2019-20 season.

Many doubted McConnell’s chances of making it the NBA, now look. Talk about proving doubters wrong. Other former Arizona Basketball standouts such as Allonzo Trier has done the same, going from undrafted to being a major part of the New York Knicks organization.

light. Must Read. Arizona Basketball: Top 25 Wildcat wins of all-time

At Zona Zealots, we love what T.J. McConnell represents. He has such passion for the game of basketball and defines what it means to bear down. Pacers fans have a special player heading their way. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!

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