The Indiana Pacers will be without veteran guard T.J. McConnell for at least a month after he suffered a hamstring injury in the team’s first preseason game, head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed Thursday.
“It’s not as bad as it could’ve been, but it’s going to take some time,” Carlisle said of the injury.
McConnell, 33, was hurt during Tuesday night’s preseason matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
To reinforce their backcourt depth, the Pacers have signed veteran guard Cameron Payne to a training camp contract, while Delon Wright was waived in a corresponding move. Wright also left the preseason opener early after sustaining a head injury.
Last season, McConnell averaged 9.1 points and 4.4 assists over 79 games, and stepped up in the playoffs with 9.5 points and 4 assists per game, helping Indiana reach the NBA Finals.
The Pacers are already dealing with major injuries in the backcourt — All-Star Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season after tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Andrew Nembhard will take over as the team’s starting point guard heading into the new season.
Indiana tips off the regular season on October 23, facing the Thunder in a Finals rematch.
