How an undrafted guard rewrote the NBA record books from the bench
In short: Most players dream of starting, but T. J. McConnell turned the bench into a statistical powerhouse. From breaking single-half steal records to becoming one of only two players to record 3,000 assists purely as a substitute, his career is a masterclass in maximizing impact through efficiency and grit.
After going undrafted in 2015, McConnell began his professional journey with the Philadelphia 76ers. During the 2017–18 season, he turned into a major substitute, becoming the first player in franchise history to achieve a triple-double as a reserve. His ability to control the game was further highlighted on January 6, 2017, when he recorded 17 assists in a single contest, nearing the franchise record of 19 held by Maurice Cheeks and Dana Barros. His high school years in Pennsylvania were equally prolific, where he was named the state's top male athlete. He also led his high school team to a WPIAL championship during his senior season.
His impact continued with the Indiana Pacers, where he achieved several career milestones. He set a new NBA benchmark on March 3, 2021, by grabbing 9 steals in one half. Additionally, he was the first substitute to log a triple-double of points, assists, and steals since Mookie Blaylock in 1998. Beyond these feats, he also earned first-team All-Pac-12 honours during his collegiate career. He was also selected for the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team on two separate occasions.
McConnell's longevity and efficiency have cemented his legacy in the league. By January 16, 2026, he matched Lou Williams as the sole players in NBA history to tally 3,000 assists while starting from the bench. His ability to maintain high efficiency is evidenced by his 4.48 assists-to-turnover ratio during the 2025–26 campaign. His family legacy in basketball is significant, as his aunt is an Olympic gold medallist. Furthermore, his father has been a highly successful coach within the Western Pennsylvania athletic community.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: T. J. McConnell
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