Could Braden Smith Eventually Replace T.J. McConnell? Player Previews Ep. 2

Alex Golden and Mike Facci continue their eight-part Pacers Player Preview Series, and today the focus shifts to two very different point guards: T.J. McConnell and Braden Smith.

The guys start with McConnell as he enters his 12th NBA season and eighth year with the Indiana Pacers. At 34 years old, T.J. is officially one of the elder statesmen of this roster—but after everything he's meant to Indiana over the last several seasons, what should expectations look like this year?

Alex and Facci discuss McConnell's role behind Tyrese Haliburton, how many minutes he should play on a nightly basis, whether his responsibilities could change with Haliburton returning and what the Pacers need from their veteran point guard to make another deep postseason run.

They also discuss what they specifically want to see from T.J. this season and make their official stat predictions for one of the most important players on Indiana's second unit.

Then, the guys turn their attention to Braden Smith.

After joining the Pacers on a two-way contract, what should Year 1 look like for the former Purdue point guard? Alex and Facci discuss where Smith fits into Indiana's crowded guard rotation, how much NBA playing time he could realistically receive and what areas of his game will determine whether he can eventually become a legitimate rotation player.

What does Smith need to prove as a rookie? Could he eventually push his way into Rick Carlisle's rotation? And what would constitute a successful first season for the young point guard?

Roles, expectations, goals and stat predictions for T.J. McConnell and Braden Smith as the Pacers Player Preview Series rolls on!

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