Cam Johnson gives TJ McConnell ‘wicked’ praise

During the Indiana Pacers' run to the 2024-25 NBA Finals, backup point guard TJ McConnell emerged as a consistent and impactful player, notably leading a comeback effort in Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. On a recent episode of 'The Young Man & the Three,' Denver Nuggets guard Cam Johnson shared his memories of watching McConnell dominate in high school, describing him as a prolific scorer who averaged 37 points his senior year and possessed an unorthodox yet effective shooting style from anywhere on the court.

Johnson emphasized the contrast between McConnell's high school persona—an elite, high-volume shooter—and his current NBA role as an efficient, system-oriented player. This shift reflects a common trajectory for many NBA players, who often transition from being the primary option in high school to adapting their skills within a professional team structure. McConnell has excelled in this adjustment, becoming a valuable, though understated, contributor who understands and executes his role effectively.

In the 2024-25 season, McConnell appeared in 79 games for the Pacers, averaging 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 51.9% from the field. His transformation from a high-volume scorer to a disciplined role player underscores his adaptability and basketball intelligence.