Josh Hart sends message to Rival Guard amid extension rumors

There is a renewed rivalry between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. Josh Hart continues to speak out on social media on any news regarding the franchise’s longtime rival.

The latest installment features his reaction to rumors of a possible TJ McConnell extension.

During a June 21 appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Indiana was working on an extension for the ninth-year guard.

“The Pacers are working to extend TJ McConnell,” Charania said. “He’s someone they want to have for the long term, without a doubt.”

Hart responded to the news on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“He deserves it…but you’re still annoying,” he tweeted on June 21.

McConnell played a big role in the Pacers’ Eastern Conference Finals run last season.

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McConnell shines against New York in the semifinals

McConnell’s impact in the seven-game series against the Knicks was not lost on Hart. And for good reason.

The 32-year-old averaged 11.9 points, 6 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals in the second round, winning seven games against New York.

Before the series against Indiana in May, Hart spoke about McConnell, praising his effort and style of play.

“TJ McConnell is an annoying little (expletive) who runs around, causes chaos, picks up 94 feet, someone who plays basketball at an extremely high level, competitive as hell,” Hart said on May 5 . I know once Tyrese (Haliburton) leaves, it’s not like we can sit there and relax. You have someone in TJ who could be the starting point guard for any other team in this league.

Hart and McConnell traded shots throughout the series. According to NBA.com’s Matchups tracker, both players shot over 50% in one-on-one situations against each other. Neither forced a turnover or blocked the other’s shot.

Hart’s comments to McConnell are just the latest blows aimed at the Pacers.

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Hart and Haliburton go back and forth after season ends

Point guard Tyrese Haliburton has previously served as a muse for Hart’s attacks and incitements on social media.

After eliminating New York, Indiana was swept by the Boston Celtics, who won the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks.

Hart had a message for Haliburton after he and the Pacers fell short. He revealed details of their conversation in an episode of “The Roommates Show” podcast.

“I think I said something like, ‘(Expletive), you couldn’t have just one victory?’ Hart said during the May 31 episode. “You beat us all in game seven. You failed to achieve a single victory, after three leads in the fourth? Obviously, if we moved on, JB wouldn’t play. I would have tried to play, I don’t know how I would have been. (Expletive) we could have done that. Buy at least one.’

A few weeks later, Hart commented on an Instagram post from Haliburton, which featured a number of outfits the star wore during the season.

“Started and ended with trashy tantrums,” Hart wrote.

“You became an analyst after playing against us,” Haliburton responded.

“And somehow we both won the same number of matches,” Hart added.

Both Indiana and New York finished the playoffs with 8 wins in the 2024 playoffs.

Hart took a guest spot during the NBA Finals as a guest analyst after being eliminated by the Pacers in the semifinals.

He has remained in the spotlight ever since for his commentary on all things Indiana.