Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) goes after a loose ball against Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) and guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) in the fourth quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Charles Barkley Randomly Praises Pacers Role Player When Asked to Describe 'Grit'

Originally posted on Indianapolis Pacers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 12:30 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers surprised everyone this past season by making the NBA Finals. Despite NBA pundits and analysts not thinking they were the more talented team in each playoff series they played, they almost won it all.

Indiana was just two quarters away from winning the NBA championship. Part of the reason why they were able to make the NBA Finals and almost win was a credit to their grit.

Perhaps one of the grittiest players on the roster is T.J. McConnell. He is a fan favorite because of how hard he plays the entire time he's in the game. He got some notice from Charles Barkley for doing that.

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While talking on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take," Barkley gave a shout out to McConnell when he was asked what grit means to him.

“When I think of grit, I think of TJ McConnell.”

Charles Barkley truly understands the essence of what it takes to have GRIT. pic.twitter.com/yPXch1kTE8
— T.J McConnell Fan Page (@TheTJFanPage) July 29, 2025

"I think it's just your competitive nature. Like, talent is different for everybody," Barkley said. "There's a notion that everyone's going to be at the same talent level. When I see grit, I think about T.J. McConnell. That dude gives you everything he's got, and that's all you can ask for from any player."

McConnell is certainly one of the grittiest players in the league. He's a player who has a lot of talent, but his effort also brings his talent to a level that other players just can't match.

When McConnell comes onto the floor, he changes the tempo of the game. His ability to create his own shots and create shots for others is something other players are never ready for.

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McConnell shouldn't be as good a defender as he is for how short he is, but he is a very good defender. He does a great job of getting steals, and usually gets one in the backcourt almost every game.

The Pacers love what McConnell is able to bring to the team off the bench. He is the best change-of-pace point guard in the NBA, and he's going to have to play more minutes next season.

This past season with the Pacers, McConnell averaged 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. He shot 51.9 percent from the field and 30.6 percent from beyond the 3-point line.

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This article first appeared on Indianapolis Pacers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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