Family jersey swap: T.J. McConnell reflects on wearing sister Megan’s jersey before his NBA Finals debut
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell shares heartfelt tribute to his sister Megan, who recently made her WNBA debut with the Phoenix Mercury.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell has a sizable jersey collection, but none more meaningful than the one he wore Thursday ahead of his NBA Finals debut.
With assistance from the Phoenix Mercury, McConnell had a special jersey overnighted to Oklahoma City — one that belonged to his sister, Megan.
Just two days earlier, on June 3, Meg signed her first official WNBA contract. She had previously joined the Mercury on a training camp deal after going undrafted — but she was waived on May 15 as teams set their opening day rosters.
Now she’s back, contributing to a Mercury team that sits in the top four of the WNBA standings less than a month into the season.
“I love my sister dearly,” he told Fieldhouse Files on Saturday. “I'm so proud of everything she's accomplished. So when she made the team, I was at a loss for words, almost cried.”
T.J. began his college career at Duquesne before transferring to Arizona. Meg followed in his early footsteps, playing five seasons at Duquesne, where she was named 2025 Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year and led NCAA Division I in steals (138) during her final season.
Her college career ended on March 28 in a WNIT loss to Cleveland State. But a week earlier, when Duquesne played at Miami (Ohio), T.J. made the short drive to see her.
She wore No. 4 in college — the same number T.J. wore at Arizona.
She went undrafted — just like T.J.
The McConnell family is full of coaches and competitors. Their father, Tim, is in Oklahoma City for the Finals, supporting his son. Meg was also in attendance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse when the Pacers clinched their Eastern Conference Finals win over the New York Knicks.
Thursday’s moment was a full-circle family tribute: T.J. arrived at Paycom Center in her Mercury jersey, while Megan wore his No. 9 Pacers jersey to the Mercury’s home game against Golden State.
“I tried to get that jersey as quickly as I could so I could wear it and honor her and show her how proud of her I am,” T.J. said. “And I'm grateful for the Mercury organization sending that over as quickly as they did. Doing that is something very special for me and my family.”
T.J. finished with nine points (his favorite number) and four assists in 17 minutes off the bench as the Pacers won Game 1 in OKC despite leading for just the final 0.3 seconds.
It’s not the first time he’s publicly supported her. In 2023, he wore her Duquesne No. 4 jersey for a tunnel walk at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Two days before his NBA Finals debut, Meg made her WNBA debut, playing 23 minutes and scoring her first points — a 3-pointer against Minnesota. She’s currently sidelined with a right knee injury but is officially a pro.
Now in his 10th NBA season — and sixth with the Pacers — McConnell is playing on basketball’s biggest stage. But more than anything, he wanted to lift up his sister and make sure she knows how proud he is.
Well with all going on with Pacers and Fever, on a sidenote and just read something from 1 yr ago and led to me asking since Pacers are having a STH draft party. What is going on with the Pacers and invities for try outs? Anything and or anyone any good coming in? Drafting late in the round, who knows who will be there and talent avail? When would need to have a home for them and position needed!!?? Do u think,hear and or know anything about Jackson getting resigned? WOuld they revisit Bradey/Bryant resigning for 25-26? I read where Bryant is and will be do a raise 5-6M! Mautherin get extended?? So basically running it back next year? Thanks as always