T.J. McConnell is a point guard with an abrasive, high-IQ style for the Indiana Pacers and is considered one of the most dependable floor generals in the NBA. He is 61 and 190 pounds and has made his career not on raw athleticism, but on hustle, leadership, and an unmatched work ethic.
Reputed as an aggressive defender on the ball, court savvy, and a selfless playmaker, McConnell has established himself as a stalwart in the Pacers’ rotation and an inspiration to undrafted players everywhere.
His skills to set a tempo, motivate his teammates, and make winning plays have gained him respect since joining the NBA in 2015. On and off the court, McConnell is a natural leader who has become one of the most reliable veteran guards in the league.
T.J. McConnell Biography | |
|---|---|
| Real Name: | Timothy John McConnell Jr |
| Birth Date: | March 25, 1992 |
| Age: | 33 Years |
| Birth Place: | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Height: | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Parents: | Tim and Shelly McConnell |
| Who is T.J. McConnell’s wife? | Valerie Guiliani |
Early Life
T.J. McConnell was born on March 25, 1992, and grew up in Bridgeville, a suburb outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His dad, Tim McConnell Sr., was a high school coach who had success, and basketball was at the core of the family. His aunt, Suzie McConnell-Serio, was a former Olympic medalist and WNBA player.
He emerged as a prep star at Chartiers Valley High School, averaging 34.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game as a senior. T.J. McConnell was voted the AP Class 3A Player of the Year as well as leading his team to a WPIAL title and a state finals appearance.
He was not recruited heavily because of his size despite his success, but he still managed to surpass expectations. T.J. McConnell began his college career at Duquesne University but got transferred to the University of Arizona, where he also assisted the Wildcats to back-to-back appearances in the Elite Eight and was recognized as All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 All-Defensive.
T.J. McConnell Career
T.J. McConnell went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers and becoming an effective backup. During his rookie season, he appeared in 17 starts and made an instant impact with his hustle and court awareness. He subsequently registered a career-high 17 assists in a game and came close to a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists.
T.J. McConnell earned a reputation as the tenacious perimeter defender with fast hands and the guy who could find a way to do the little things that make teams win. In 2019, he joined the Indiana Pacers to make another step forward in his career. He was the sixth man of the Pacers, which enabled him to influence the games coming off the bench with power and authority.
During the 2020-21 season, he broke a record by having 10 steals, all in the first half, which became a record in the NBA. T.J. McConnell also registered a triple-double in the same game, marking the first time a player in the league’s history managed to do so off the bench in points, assists, and steals.
In 2021, the Pacers offered him a four-year, $35 million extension. Through the 2023-24 season, he was averaging 10.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game and shooting a career-high 55 percent from the field.
During the 2024 NBA Playoffs, McConnell was instrumental in helping the Pacers advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. He provided several clutch performances, such as an 18-point game in Game 5 against Milwaukee. His effort- and intelligence-based playing style brought him accolades amongst teammates, coaches, and league analysts alike.
T.J. McConnell is a veteran now, having played more than 700 games, and is a model of consistency and reliability. He has shown that grit and smarts can outlast hype and flash, whether the situation involves locking up opposing guards or orchestrating pick-and-rolls.
Personal Life
T.J. McConnell is married to Valerie Giuliani, whom he met in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, as a childhood sweetheart. They met in kindergarten and dated throughout high school at Chartiers Valley before getting married on September 9, 2017. Valerie attends his games regularly and is always there in the background to support him.
They have two sons: Trace, born in January 2021, and a second son born in September 2023. McConnell revealed that fatherhood had given him a new mindset and greater inspiration, not only in life but also on the basketball court.
Social Media
T.J. McConnell has a social media presence on Instagram with the handle @tjmcconnell and more than 156k followers. He frequently shows his adoration of basketball and close-knit family life in his posts.
He posts a variety of in-game highlights, teammate photos, time with his kids, and emotional posts about his sister Megan, who is also a professional basketball player. His grounded social media presence has endeared him to fans, and his relatable in the sporting world.
T.J. McConnell Net Worth
By 2025, the net worth of T.J. McConnell is estimated at between 20 million and 45 million dollars. He is currently signed to a four-year deal with the Indiana Pacers worth 35 million, with an average salary of about 9.3 million in the upcoming 2024-25 season, which will rise gradually till the 2027-28 season.
The main source of his income is his NBA salary, although he has bonuses and minor endorsement deals. Fiscally conservative and family-oriented, McConnell has established himself financially without ever becoming the flashy candidate that he is accused of being.