Giannis Antetokounmpo and Others Defend T.J. McConnell in Major Debate

Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell was recently the subject of a debate on a podcast. On the 3s and Ones podcast with former NBA forward Michael Beasley and NBA insider Chris Haynes hosting two guests, former NBA guard Patrick Beverley and one-on-one basketball star Nasir Core.

On the podcast, Core and the players got into a debate about the difference between one-on-one basketball and the NBA.

As part of his argument, Core stated, "If T.J. McConnell came out here, he would get fried."

The clip got a ton of traction on social media, with NBA players quickly coming to McConnell's defense.

Miami Heat superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo commented "yeahhhh okay🤦🏾‍♂️.”

Beverley, who was on the podcast, made a comment later on social media, stating, "They just don't understand. They really don't. T.J. McConnell is 🥶."

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall also commented on the post, writing, "I come to the realization they just don't get it....I feel at this point it's just rage baiting."

Former NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin also weighed in, stating, "Ain't step one floor in the league and y'all entertaining this foolishness. T.J. all day. And the 15th man of the worst team."

All of the former and current NBA players standing up for McConnell speak to the respect he has around the league.

McConnell has proven to be a quality role player for the Pacers throughout his career. In his 11-year career, he has averaged 7.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, five assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 51.8 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three.

In the 2025-26 season with Indiana, he played well, averaging 9.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and a steal per game while shooting 53.8 percent from the floor and 32 percent from behind the arc.

McConnell is a quality defensive player and has been a great lead ball-handler off the bench, creating scoring opportunities for his teammates while also being a solid scorer.

The Pacers will lean on McConnell as a key piece off the bench, and it's clear his fellow NBA teammates think he could hold his own in one-on-one opportunities.