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Ex-Wildcat TJ McConnell snubbed by NBA All-Defensive selections

By Eric Townsend

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 15: T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers knocks the ball away from Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 15: T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers knocks the ball away from Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Following yet another solid season with the Indiana Pacers, former Wildcat TJ McConnell was snubbed by the NBA with their All-Defensive selections. 

If you were following TJ McConnell this season, you would have seen that the former Wildcat and veteran NBA guard was reaching all new heights in his career with the Indiana Pacers.

From the rare triple-double with 10 steals to his 17 assists in a single game, not many have had a better breakout season than the savvy and hardworking Pittsburgh.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

Well, following a stellar 2020-21 regular season, the NBA announced all their season award selections for the MVP Award, the Sixth Man, First-Team, Rookie of the Year, etc.

Also announced were the First and Second-Team selections for the NBA’s All-Defensive team. However, perhaps surprisingly missed on that list was McConnell.

Despite a season in which TJ led the league in steals with 128 in 69 games (1.9 per game) and had a season-high 10 steals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the NBA snubbed McConnell.

On the Defensive First and Second teams were players like Draymond Green, Rudy Gobert, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ben Simmons, and Kawhi Leonard among others. Surprisingly most of the players on the list were either post players or wings and didn’t feature any other point guards aside from Jrue Holiday.

Ever since coming into the league, former Wildcat TJ McConnell has prided himself in being a role key player, and it is time for the NBA to notice his efforts.

Always considered a longshot to make the NBA in the first place, TJ has defied the odds as he is about to enter year seven in the league, and after a huge year this past season, he could see another lucrative contract offer coming his way this off-season.

Over the years, McConnell has shown his worth of being a more-than-reliable back-up point guard, and a great sparkplug off the bench. He is electric when he’s on the court, plays with a high level of intelligence and confidence, and is 100 percent all heart.

We know more good things are coming for McConnell, and we enjoy watching our former Wildcat succeed. Here’s just a reminder of how special he is!

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