IT’S NOT GOODBYE BUT SEE YOU AGAIN: T. J. McConnell Made final Speech At Indiana Pacers as Head Coach Rick Carlisle Made Another Decision on T. J. McConnell Departure……

IT’S NOT GOODBYE, BUT SEE YOU AGAIN: T.J. McConnell Delivers Emotional Farewell Speech as Rick Carlisle Makes a Monumental Decision on His Departure

 

By Fater Ferdinand | June 28, 2025

 

 

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There are moments in sports that transcend points, wins, and trophies. They become a part of the soul of a franchise, echoing in locker rooms, court tunnels, and the hearts of fans long after the final buzzer sounds. That was the atmosphere inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse when T.J. McConnell, the heart and soul of the Indiana Pacers for nearly a decade, took the podium one last time in the blue and gold.

 

Amid standing ovations and tearful fans, McConnell delivered what can only be described as a gut-wrenchingly heartfelt farewell speech — a moment marked by emotion, legacy, and the uncertain promise of future returns.

 

And then came the twist: while many expected a quiet departure, Head Coach Rick Carlisle—himself entering a new chapter—made one final, unexpected decision that could change the course of McConnell’s journey once more.

 

 

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A Moment Years in the Making

 

T.J. McConnell arrived in Indiana not as a top draft pick or a media darling, but as a scrappy, relentless point guard known for diving for loose balls and doing the dirty work. Over the years, he became something more: a leader, a fighter, and an embodiment of Indiana Pacers basketball.

 

Fans adored him for his grit. Teammates leaned on his consistency. Coaches trusted his floor generalship and hustle. But after nearly a decade of blood, sweat, and sweat-soaked jerseys, McConnell stood before reporters, staff, and players for his final official address as a Pacers player.

 

 

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The Farewell Speech: Raw, Real, and Reverent

 

“This isn’t goodbye,” McConnell said, voice cracking under the weight of emotion. “This is see you later. Because the Pacers—this organization, this city—it’s in my blood. It always will be.”

 

The crowd of media professionals remained silent. Some fans outside the Fieldhouse who had gathered in honor of McConnell’s final day cheered softly, holding handmade signs reading Forever a Pacer and Thank You, T.J.

McConnell paused, wiped away a tear, and continued:

“When I came to Indiana, I was just trying to prove I belonged. I never imagined I’d find a family here. I never thought I’d be part of something this big, this beautiful.”

 

In his final address, McConnell gave credit to his teammates—old and new—highlighting the role players and stars alike, especially Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, and Bennedict Mathurin. He praised the front office, coaching staff, and even the media.

 

But above all, he thanked the fans.

 

“You showed me love even when I had a 2-point, 4-turnover night. You believed in me when the national media didn’t. You made Indiana home,” he said.

 

 

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Carlisle’s Lasting Decision: A New Role for T.J.

 

As the cameras flashed and McConnell walked off the stage, a sense of finality hung in the air. But just as the atmosphere began to shift toward closure, Coach Rick Carlisle—who announced earlier this season that he, too, would be stepping down soon—stepped forward with a surprising twist.

 

“Before T.J. leaves this organization, I have one final card to play,” Carlisle said with a faint smile. “*T.J. McConnell won’t be leaving the Indiana Pacers entirely. I’ve recommended him for a special assistant role—mentor, advisor, and developmental coach for our young guards