Anyone who follows the Indiana Pacers knows that they don’t spend a lot of money in free agency. They have never been hit by the luxury tax, having not paid it since the 2005-06 season. Typically, the Pacers try to find attractive deals in free agency to complement key members of the team.
Next season could change that. The Pacers clearly plan to bring back Pascal Siakam on something close to a max deal. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have traded him in the first place. If he is the priority, they should bring back this other key player and guarantee his contract for next season.
That player is TJ McConnell. McConnell was inexplicably out of the rotation early in the year and put a few DNP-CDs on the box score. Rick Carlisle realized how stupid this was and started giving him the backup point guard minutes he deserved.
McConnell is still a valuable member of this Pacers team. Against San Antonio, he had 26 points on 13-15 shooting and was the team’s only source of offense. Tuesday night against the Mavs, he had 13 points, 7 assists and went 2-2 from three. His energy is what this team needs.
On a team that wants to play fast, McConnell is the perfect replacement. He probes defenses in the lane and collapses players when he penetrates. If they get too close, he’ll throw a pass to an open shooter on the perimeter. If they stay too close to these guys and step on him, he’ll take a 9-foot jump shot.
McConnell’s contract not guaranteed next year. He’s worth $9.3 million if the Pacers don’t decide to cut him. I think it would be a terrible decision to do that. He provides a veteran presence to a young team that needs a steady hand in that second unit. Even though he will be 32 next year, he still has the speed to make the play he needs to.
The Pacers already lost some salary by trading Buddy Hield. They probably won’t bring back Doug McDermott. If they do, his value will be reduced from his $20.6 million cap hit. Obi Toppin is probably in the same boat. He will likely be released so Jarace Walker can get some minutes.
Next story. Three most important players for the Pacers down the stretch. dark. Following
There should be plenty of money left over for McConnell’s extremely reasonable contract next year.
