TJ McConnell wants Indiana Pacers fans to know one thing after a rough month in their franchise’s history.
Just a little over a month ago, the Indiana Pacers were on cloud nine. They were headed to Game 7 in the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder to compete for an NBA championship.
However, that’s where everything fell apart for them. Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles early in Game 7, which completely turned things around.
The Indiana Pacers had to change their lineup in the NBA Finals, and the lack of chemistry proved to be too much. The Oklahoma City Thunder made easy work of the Pacers to win the NBA championship.
As if a loss in the NBA Finals and losing their best player for an entire year weren’t bad enough, the Pacers’ misfortunes continued in the offseason.
In a huge shock, Pacers center Myles Turner signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. Things have been pretty difficult for the Pacers recently. But TJ McConnell has a warning for people counting them out.
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty ImagesTJ McConnell says Indiana Pacers have always been counted out
In a brilliant piece he wrote for the Players Tribune, TJ McConnell addressed the misfortunes the Indiana Pacers experienced over the last month.
Despite all of the difficulty the Pacers have faced, McConnell knows they can overcome this. He doesn’t think losing in the NBA Finals is the end. McConnell surely doesn’t think losing Myles Turner is the end.
“If there’s a message I wanted to get across in here, other than thanking you guys, it’s this: I still think that’s not how the story ends. Honestly.
“I know we’re being written off now by everyone. I know they’re thinking the Pacers are done, or that this run we just went on will be the peak for our group. And I understand why.
“But it’s the same b******* we’ve always dealt with in Indy — and it’s the same exact thing we’ve had to hear so many times over the last year.
“Swept by the Celtics, they’re done. Started out 10–15, they’re done. Down 7 late to the Bucks, down 7 late to the Cavs, down 9 late to the Knicks, down 15 late to the Thunder, they’re done. Down 3–2 in the Finals, they’re done.
“Lost Game 7 in the most brutal way possible … lost their franchise player for next season … lost their center in free agency… they’re done. You’d think people would learn by now, but: We’re actually not done.”
TJ McConnell warns NBA teams about counting out Indy
TJ McConnell then warned other NBA teams and told Indiana Pacers fans an important thing. They will be back. Things might seem bleak right now, but the Pacers always bounce back.
“And I guess that’s my message to any Pacers fans reading this. I have no idea what the future holds. Getting over Game 7 will be tough. Replacing Myles will be tough.
“Playing without Tyrese will be … whatever is tougher than tough. But you know that feeling we all started to have as the playoffs went on — how there’s just something about this team?”
“Man, I promise you: That feeling was real. And we’re going to work like hell to feel it again soon.”
The Indiana Pacers will have a difficult season ahead of them. With no Tyrese Haliburton and no immediate replacement for Myles Turner, what can they do?
Well, don’t expect a third miraculous playoff run from the Pacers. Without two key players, they will be a lottery team, barring any major shocks.