T.J. McConnell (PG/SG, IND) - Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14-Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 15% of leagues

ANALYSIS: McConnell got his shot as an UDFA with Philly because they were in desperate condition, putting a roster together with a recession-like budget. Six years later, he's doing nearly the exact same things in his second season with Indiana that he was doing from Day One in the NBA, but he has steadily been ramping up his efficiency in those areas he particularly excels in, further cementing his role on a Pacers team stocked with well-rounded players at every position. T.J. currently averages 4.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.7 steals in 20.9 minutes per game. He has been rebounding at a career-best rate of 8.7%, while his 35% assist rate is the best mark on the roster (topping Malcolm Brogdon by 5.3%) and his career-high steal percentage of 4% is also team-leading.

In fact, if he had enough time on the floor to qualify, his assist percentage would rank ninth in the NBA right behind LaMelo Ball, and his steal percentage would slate at best in the league, besting the runner-up Larry Nance Jr. by 0.8%. Even in a mere two-point effort Friday against Charlotte, McConnell still managed to grab two boards, a steal, and dished out six assists. He has seen a recent uptick in minutes, as to be expected with Victor Oladipo now in Houston and Caris Levert recovering after having surgery to treat kidney cancer. Even if he sees a reduction in PT, T.J. McConnell can make effective use of 16-20 minutes. Whether the scoring is points or categories; if you are in a deeper league, there are very few players you'll ever find available who can offer his brand of production night in and night out.

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