T.J. McConnell has been this season what he has been for a few seasons now — a solid backup point guard the Pacers’ coach can lean on 20+ minutes a night.
Except Rick Carlise will have to get by without McConnell for a few months.
Injury Update: T.J. McConnell underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist this morning.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 7, 2021
He will remain in a cast for 10-12 weeks before the medical team assesses his status and estimates a time for his return.https://t.co/2n4NidjWOs
The optimistic end of timeline would have McConnell back mid-March, and at that point the Pacers may choose to sit him the rest of the season. Especially considering Indiana is open to trading some of its star players to jumpstart a rebuild.
McConnell could be traded as well, although it’s more likely to happen next offseason than at the deadline after this injury. After this season, McConnell will have three years at a very reasonable $26.1 million remaining on his contract, and the last season of that is only partially guaranteed ($5 million). Teams looking for depth at the one may jump at the chance to land him.
But not until he gets healthy.