In a blow to the Indiana Pacers’ backcourt just weeks before the 2025-26 NBA season opener, head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed Thursday that veteran backup point guard T.J. McConnell will be sidelined for at least a month due to a left hamstring strain. The injury occurred during the team’s preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, where McConnell exited early after playing just eight minutes, in which he tallied seven points and three assists.
“Not as bad as it could have been, but it’s going to take some time,” Carlisle told reporters following practice, underscoring the frustration in a locker room already reeling from significant losses. At 33 years old, McConnell has been a cornerstone of the Pacers’ bench unit, known for his relentless energy, crafty playmaking, and defensive tenacity. Last season, he appeared in 79 games (one start), averaging 9.1 points, 4.4 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 17.9 minutes per game while shooting an efficient 51.9% from the field. He led the league in total assists off the bench with 348 during the regular season and topped all reserves with 93 playoff assists, averaging 9.5 points and 4.0 dimes in postseason action.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Indiana, the defending Eastern Conference champions who reached the NBA Finals last season—their first appearance since 2000—under Carlisle’s steady guidance in his second stint with the franchise. The Pacers are already set to navigate the entire campaign without All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the Finals and is out for the year. With Haliburton sidelined, McConnell was poised to step into an even larger role alongside starting guard Andrew Nembhard, providing the spark that has defined Indiana’s high-octane offense.
“This is a significant loss,” Carlisle acknowledged, emphasizing McConnell’s irreplaceable “presence and craftiness on both sides of the floor.” The Pacers open the regular season on October 23 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s Finals clash. McConnell’s projected absence could see him miss at least the first 10 games, leaving Indiana’s point guard depth perilously thin at the outset.
### Roster Shuffle: Payne In, Wright Out
To mitigate the hit, the Pacers moved swiftly on Thursday, signing veteran guard Cameron Payne to a training camp contract to bolster backcourt options. Payne, a 31-year-old journeyman with stints alongside the Suns, Knicks, and 76ers, brings scoring punch and playoff experience, having helped Phoenix reach the 2021 Finals. However, the move came at a cost: Indiana waived fellow guard Delon Wright, who himself exited the preseason opener early with a head injury.
Wright, signed earlier in training camp to address similar depth concerns, was a defensive specialist expected to provide minutes behind Nembhard. His departure leaves the Pacers scrambling for additional reinforcements, with reports suggesting the front office is accelerating plans to pursue another point guard before tip-off. Nembhard, who thrived as a starter last season, will now shoulder an even heavier load, potentially logging heavy minutes as Indiana’s primary floor general.
### A Resilient Bench in Turmoil
McConnell’s absence amplifies the void left by Haliburton, whose visionary passing and scoring (averaging 20.1 points and 10.9 assists last year) were the engine of the Pacers’ run-and-gun style. Yet, Indiana’s depth was a hallmark of their success, with McConnell often igniting second units as the league’s ultimate “spark plug.” His undrafted grit—honed from G League battles to NBA Sixth Man contention—made him a fan favorite and a coach’s dream.
Carlisle, ever the tactician, hinted at adjustments: “We’ll throw Andrew [Nembhard] into a massive role and lean on our versatility.” Rookies like Johnny Furphy and established wings such as Aaron Nesmith could see increased ball-handling duties, but the lack of proven playmakers raises questions about early-season rhythm. Analysts warn that without McConnell’s transition wizardry and steal-forcing defense, Indiana’s pace could dip, testing their championship aspirations from the jump.
### Path to Recovery and Beyond
Hamstring strains, while pesky, often heal within 4-6 weeks with proper rehab, and Carlisle’s optimistic tone suggests McConnell could return by mid-November—potentially in time for a grueling November slate that includes matchups against the Knicks and Bucks. The veteran has a track record of bouncing back stronger; last season, he played through minor ailments to anchor the Pacers’ playoff surge.
For now, though, the Pacers’ “TOUCH DOWN” moment feels more like a fumble. As Carlisle rallies his squad, the focus shifts to Payne’s integration and Nembhard’s emergence. In a league where backcourt health can make or break contenders, Indiana’s resilience will be on full display. Fans in Gainbridge Fieldhouse will miss McConnell’s signature hustle— but if history is any guide, his return could reignite the fire that carried them to the Finals.
