INDIANAPOLIS – the Indiana Pacers will be without reserve point guard T.J. McConnell for at least a month as he recovers from a hamstring injury. McConnell, 33, left the team’s first preseason game on Tuesday in pain, intentionally fouling to exit the contest.He went back to the locker room while reaching for his left hamstring and didn’t return to the action. McConnell had seven points and three assists in just over eight minutes of play at the time and was successfully guiding a second unit. But he took himself out of the game and did not return during the Pacers preseason win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.The team ruled him out for the rest of the night with a hamstring injury,and Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shared more details when the team practiced earlier today.
“He’s going to be out for a while.I think it’s safe to say that he’ll be out at least a month,” Carlisle said of McConnell. “Not as bad as it could have been, but it’s going to take some time.”
mcconnell is a 10-year veteran, and he’s been a key part of Indiana’s rotation for the last six seasons.He is breaking norms for a player of his size and skill, and his chemistry is valuable for the Pacers second unit. But he’s now out to start the season. If he misses a month, he’d miss the Pacers first 10 games. And that’s a minimum, muscle injuries can come with longer absences.
it’s a big loss for the blue and gold. McConnell averaged 9.1 points and 4.4 assists per game last season and was great off the bench during the team’s playoff run. His ability to get into the paint and keep the team’s tempo alive even when star Tyrese Haliburton off the floor is a key part of the Pacers being able to play their unique style for 48 minutes.
This season, McConnell’s role was going to be more critical. Haliburton won’t
Pacers Add Veteran Guard Cam Payne to Address Backcourt Depth
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The Indiana Pacers quickly addressed a need for backcourt depth on Thursday,signing veteran guard Cam Payne. The move comes after the Pacers learned that guard T.J. McConnell will be sidelined with an injury, alongside Tyrese Haliburton.
Fast Turnaround for Payne
Payne, a 10-year NBA veteran, was most recently with the New York Knicks. He spent the offseason training in New York, preparing for his next opportunity. He was anticipating a return to Phoenix when the Pacers reached out. Within six hours of hearing from his agent,Payne was on a plane to Indianapolis and practicing with his new team.
Filling a Critical Role
The 31-year-old Payne averaged 6.9 points and 2.8 assists in 60 games for the Knicks last season. NBA.com stats show he previously averaged double-digit scoring in the 2022-23 season. With both McConnell and Haliburton currently unavailable, Payne could instantly step into a important role as a backup point guard.
Pacers coach Rick carlisle praised Payne’s skillset, stating, “Good player. He’s a guy we always had to account for in scouts and whatnot… His speed and long range shooting ability is high level. He’s experienced.”
Playoff Experience and Adaptability
Payne brings valuable postseason experience to Indiana, having played in the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns and the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. This experience will be especially valuable with McConnell’s absence. He demonstrated his commitment to staying game-ready throughout the offseason, anticipating a potential opportunity.
Payne also expressed his confidence in fitting into the Pacers’ system. “I know they play really fast. I know I can adapt to that. I like to play with a lot of pace. Obviously, their defensive intensity is on 100. I gotta make sure I bring that,” he said. He has a history of quickly adapting to new teams, having been traded mid-season previously.
Teammate Endorsement
Pacers star forward Pascal Siakam welcomed the addition, saying, “I think he’s going to be good, just getting in there, playing fast. Another ball handler. We’re short on some of those.”
Looking Ahead
The Pacers face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, and the extent of Payne’s role will become clearer then. The injuries to Haliburton and McConnell will undoubtedly be challenging, and the Pacers will rely on Payne, along with perhaps Andrew Jackson, to provide crucial support early in the season. The team will need to quickly adjust to the changing circumstances and lean on their depth.