In a remarkable feat, T.J. McConnell, the Indiana Pacers' point guard, has etched his name in the NBA's history books! On January 17, 2026, McConnell achieved a rare milestone, becoming only the second player ever to reach 3,000 assists while primarily playing as a bench player. But here's the twist: he's not just any bench player.
McConnell, a Pittsburgh native, accomplished this feat during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, dishing out two assists in the first quarter alone. This achievement puts him in the company of the legendary Lou Williams, who amassed 3,262 assists as a reserve during his illustrious 17-year career. Williams, a three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award winner, set the bar high for bench players everywhere.
But McConnell isn't done yet. With 3,007 assists and counting, he's part of an exclusive club of just five players who have achieved 3,000+ points, 2,000+ assists, 1,500+ rebounds, and 500+ steals as reserves. A true testament to his all-around game!
McConnell's humility shines through in his post-game interview: "To be mentioned alongside Lou Williams, Jamal Crawford, and Manu Ginobili... it's an honor." He credits his teammates for his success, emphasizing that they make the shots, and he's just there to facilitate. And facilitate he did, with nine assists in the game, leading the Pacers to a 127-119 victory.
This achievement sparks an intriguing debate: How much impact can a bench player have? McConnell's story challenges the traditional view of starters vs. reserves. Are we underestimating the power of a strong bench? And could this inspire a new generation of players to embrace the role of a super-sub? The NBA landscape may never be the same again.
