Carlisle says T.J. McConnell nearing return from hamstring injury
carlisle-says-tj-mcconnell-nearing-return-hamstring-injury
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle offered a positive update on guard T.J. McConnell on Sunday, saying the 33-year-old is “getting closer” to coming back from a left hamstring strain sustained in the Oct. 7 preseason opener.
Carlisle noted that McConnell completed a workout earlier in the day and has been “ramping up pretty steadily,” though he had not yet received full feedback on the most recent session. The veteran backup was originally projected to miss at least one month, and Sunday’s remarks marked Carlisle’s first official update since that timeline was announced.
The coach also addressed the status of rookie guard Kam Jones, who has been sidelined since early October with a lower-back stress reaction. Carlisle said the No. 38 pick is making progress, but his return “is not imminent.”
Injuries have piled up for the defending Eastern Conference champions. Nine Pacers were unavailable for Sunday night’s matchup at Golden State, including multiple guards. Andrew Nembhard, who missed seven full games and most of an eighth with a left shoulder issue, returned to action on Saturday. Indiana has started the season 1-8 amid the rash of absences.
Source: Hoops Rumors
