There are certain players that help make the NBA feel complete. And while many fans dread the day that players like LeBron and Steph retire, others will be just as devastated when a certain pesky point guard from Indiana decides to hang ‘em up.

Today’s Lineup

Terrific T.J.

One of the NBA’s most underrated players for nearly a decade, T.J. McConnell got his due in a big way over the weekend by inking a 4-year, $45 million deal to stay in Indiana. After playing a pivotal role in the Pacers’ run to the ECF last season with averages of 11.8 PPG and 5.1 APG in the postseason, McConnell gets rewarded with not only a bag, but long-term security.

When it really comes down to it, players like T.J. are what make the NBA world go ‘round. Not every hooper is meant to be an MVP, but there’s something just as cool about seeing a player find their niche and carve out a spot for themselves in the league. McConnell has done just that, providing a trifecta of scoring, passing, and tenacious on-ball defense that has kept him on the court for years, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Congrats T.J.! 🎉

Big Z!

Speaking of unsung players getting big extensions, Clippers big man Ivica Zubac joined the party over the weekend with his 3-year, $58.6 million pact to stay in Los Angeles. Zubac is currently the team’s longest tenured player, having joined the Clippers in an across-the-hallway trade with the Lakers in 2019, and now he sticks around to help lead the squad during its first season without Paul George.

Zubac has been the Clips’ consistent presence in the middle for years now, including last season when he notched a career-high 11.7 PPG. And at just 27 years old, he has plenty of productive still years ahead of him. Between Zubac and McConnell, we love seeing the lesser-appreciated ballers in the league get some recognition— after all, they’re what make the game so Enjoyable.

Super Superstitious

In sports, every athlete has their own way to get in the zone. Many NBA players do this by napping, eating a carefully-curated pre-game meal, or listening to their favorite music. But others have a more unique routine. Let’s break down some of the strangest pre-game rituals to ever grace the NBA.

MJ’s UNC shorts

Arguably the greatest player of all time also had one of the strangest traditions: wearing his old North Carolina practice shorts underneath his NBA uniform for every game. Although it seems like it would limit mobility, His Airness claimed it reminded him of the journey that brought him to superstardom.

Wax on, Wax off

Have you ever thought that dipping your hands in hot wax before a game would help prevent injury? No? Just Monta Ellis? The former electric Warriors point guard began the ritual after tearing a ligament in his hand and said it - no pun intended - stuck. But even if you try it at home, Monta says it won’t work. It’s “[his] magic.”

Strawman

While technically a mid-game ritual, this segment would not be complete without a mention of Caron Butler and his passion for chewing straws. Despite being unjustly banned in 2010, Butler developed a reputation for chewing on paper straws during games as a way to calm his nerves. Once, he even successfully identified a McDonald’s straw out of a pool of 14 others. But if it helped him do stuff like this, who are we to judge?

Three in the Key

Signing Off

And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. If you have this Labor Day off, be sure to soak it all in— your rest is just as important as your work! And if you’re still on the grind, don’t forget to take at least a few moments to yourself. A moment of calm can make a world of difference. See you soon!

-Walker Carnathan