A debate on the 3s and Ones podcast quickly turned into a league-wide defense of T.J. McConnell.
The conversation, hosted by former NBA forward Michael Beasley and NBA insider Chris Haynes, featured former NBA guard Patrick Beverley and one-on-one basketball star Nasir Core. Core and the others were arguing about the gap between one-on-one basketball and the NBA when Core took a shot at the Pacers guard.
As part of his argument, Core stated, "If T.J. McConnell came out here, he would get fried."
That line spread fast on social media, and several current and former NBA players jumped in to back McConnell. Miami Heat star Giannis Antetokounmpo responded with, "yeahhhh okay🤦🏾♂️.”
Beverley also weighed in later, posting, "They just don't understand. They really don't.
T.J. McConnell is 🥶."
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall added, "I come to the realization they just don't get it....I feel at this point it's just rage baiting."
Former NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin went even further, saying, "Ain't step one floor in the league and y'all entertaining this foolishness. T.J. all day. And the 15th man of the worst team."
The reaction says plenty about how McConnell is viewed around the league. He has built a reputation as a reliable role player in Indiana, and his numbers back that up. Over 11 NBA seasons, he has averaged 7.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, five assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 51.8 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three.
He also put together a strong 2025-26 season with the Pacers, averaging 9.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and a steal per game while shooting 53.8 percent from the floor and 32 percent from behind the arc.
McConnell’s value has long come from more than just scoring. He’s been a steady defensive presence and a dependable lead ball-handler off the bench, setting up teammates and chipping in as a scorer when needed.
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Pacers Zubac Trade Suddenly Looks Different Than Fans Remember
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A guilty verdict against the Clippers in a cap circumvention scandal changed the optics even more, costing Indiana a 2029 draft pick tied to the trade. It does not alter the actual pieces exchanged between the teams, but it does leave the Clippers' return to the Pacers reduced to Keaton Wagler in the aftermath. For Indiana, the broader question remains the same: whether the on-court value of Zubac can still make a deal this expensive feel worthwhile. [Read more 🡒]