T.J. McConnell says hamstring recovery slowed early rhythm

Photo: Indiana Pacers/X

Pacers guard T.J. McConnell has now appeared in seven games since coming back from a strained hamstring, but he acknowledges that the road to feeling like himself again was slower than he expected, writes Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.

McConnell’s recovery disrupted much of his usual preseason routine because the injury occurred during Indiana’s very first exhibition game.

“It hasn’t all been positive,” he said. “I’ve never hurt a muscle before, so I think the process getting back has been more difficult than I anticipated just in terms of my wind and my legs.

“I’m doing everything I can to continue to build that. I think I anticipated some inconsistencies with the flow of the game and my rhythm, but I feel like I’m starting to come into that.”

McConnell added that the biggest challenges were regaining conditioning and restoring the timing he relies on as a playmaker.

Still, he believes the rhythm is gradually returning as he continues to log more minutes and rebuild strength in his legs.

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