Pat Connaughton
Pat Connaughton – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Explore the inspiring journey of Pat Connaughton: from dual-sport talent to NBA champion. Learn about his early life, career milestones, philosophy, and his most memorable quotes.
Introduction
Patrick Bergin Connaughton (born January 6, 1993) is an American professional basketball player and former baseball draftee. Known for his versatility, hustle, and unselfish teamwork, Connaughton has earned a reputation as a dependable role player in the NBA. His journey is especially compelling because he once pursued a dual-sport path—balancing basketball and baseball at elite levels. Today, his story resonates as a testament to persistence, adaptability, and the value of embracing opportunities.
Early Life and Family
Pat Connaughton was born in Arlington, Massachusetts, to Leonard (Len) Connaughton and Susan Connaughton.
In high school—St. John’s Preparatory in Danvers, Massachusetts—Connaughton excelled not only in basketball but in multiple sports, including baseball and football, even playing quarterback on his football team. Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
His multi-sport excellence brought multiple collegiate offers, but a pivotal moment in the summer before his senior basketball season changed his trajectory: a standout performance in an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) tournament (33 points and 20 rebounds in one game) sparked increased interest in his basketball side. Connaughton later reflected, “That week completely changed my entire life.”
Youth and Education
After graduation, Connaughton opted to attend the University of Notre Dame, choosing a school that would allow him to play both baseball and basketball.
Notre Dame Athletics
In basketball, he steadily improved his contributions. As a freshman, he averaged 7.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in about 24 minutes per game, appearing in all 34 games.
In the summer of 2013, he pitched in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Harwich Mariners.
One of the more dramatic decisions in his collegiate career came after his junior year: he chose to return for his senior basketball season despite the risk of impacting his baseball draft status. MLB analysts believed this choice might cost him a higher draft position financially. 4th round (121st overall) by the Baltimore Orioles, and he signed a deal that allowed him to continue with Notre Dame basketball in 2014–15.
In his senior basketball year, the Fighting Irish won their first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament.
Career and Achievements
Turning Pro — NBA & Baseball
In the 2015 NBA Draft, Connaughton was selected in the second round (41st pick) by the Brooklyn Nets, but his rights were immediately traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
He made his NBA debut on October 30, 2015, scoring 5 points in that game.
Meanwhile, on the baseball side, Connaughton made his professional debut with the Aberdeen IronBirds (Low-A level in the Orioles’ minor league system). He recorded a fastball near 96 mph, but he left the team midseason to return to Notre Dame basketball.
Milwaukee Bucks Era
On August 1, 2018, Connaughton signed with the Milwaukee Bucks.
In the 2021 NBA Finals, Connaughton played a meaningful role off the bench. He averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and shot 44.1% from three in the Finals series, helping the Bucks secure the franchise’s first championship in 50 years.
Some other notable moments:
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In 2021, he scored a season-high 23 points with seven made threes versus the New York Knicks.
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In 2022, he underwent right hand surgery and missed about a month.
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During the 2022 postseason, in Game 5 of a first-round matchup vs. Chicago, he scored 20 points in just 23 minutes.
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In April 2025, he scored a career-high 43 points in a 140–133 win over the Detroit Pistons.
In June 2025, Connaughton exercised a $9.4 million player option for the 2025–26 NBA season — the final year on his three-year, $28.5 million extension. Charlotte Hornets along with two second-round picks in exchange for Vasilije Micić.
Statistics & Role
Over his NBA career (through 2025), Connaughton has played 595 regular season games, averaging 19.2 minutes, 6.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, with shooting splits of ~.438 FG%, .356 3P%, and .773 FT%.
Throughout his career, Connaughton has been valued less for star-level volume scoring and more for his defensive intensity, three-point spacing, rebounding, and unselfish play — often coming off the bench to provide timely energy and hustle.
Historical Milestones & Context
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Connaughton is one of the relatively rare modern athletes who had the potential to play at the professional level in both basketball and baseball. His dual-sport background echoes legends like Bo Jackson or Deion Sanders, though he ultimately committed to basketball.
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His 2021 NBA Championship was a milestone for the Bucks franchise, bringing a long-awaited title to Milwaukee.
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The trade in 2025 from Milwaukee to Charlotte marks a new chapter in his professional journey, reflecting shifts in team construction and salary strategies in the modern NBA.
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Connaughton’s ability to maintain a meaningful NBA career despite not being a marquee star demonstrates the vital role of role players and team-oriented contributors in championship-caliber rosters.
Legacy and Influence
While he may never be a household name like LeBron James or Stephen Curry, Connaughton’s legacy lies in versatility, professionalism, and perseverance. He represents athletes who carve long, meaningful careers through adaptability rather than pure star power.
His decision to balance sports instead of specializing early is especially relevant today when many young athletes are pushed into specialization prematurely. Connaughton has often spoken about how early specialization risks injury and burnout.
Off the court, Connaughton has ventured into real estate development. He serves as president of a development firm, leveraging his platform and network beyond basketball.
Connaughton also draws praise for character and trustworthiness. Former Notre Dame coach Mike Brey once said, “In my 15 years here, no one has been more responsible than Pat Connaughton. He’s an unbelievable ambassador for us and has shown tremendous loyalty.”
Personality and Talents
Character Traits
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Competitive yet humble: Connaughton is known to embrace the grind, often playing with high energy, even in limited minutes.
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Resilient: He persevered through the tough choice of dual-sport paths, injuries, and fluctuating roles.
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Business-minded: His interest in real estate, investments, and long-term planning stands out among athletes who focus solely on sports.
Athletic Abilities
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At 6’5” (1.96 m) and ~209 lbs, he combines size and mobility, enabling him to guard multiple positions.
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His three-point shooting, while not elite, has been respectable enough to stretch defenses.
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His rebounding, hustle plays, defense, and basketball IQ supplement what he may lack in flash.
Connaughton has also spoken of how basketball helped with his baseball skills—strength, coordination, and conditioning complementing both sports.
Famous Quotes of Pat Connaughton
Below are several memorable and revealing quotes from Pat Connaughton:
“If you would have told me when I was a kid that I would be sitting here with an ACC championship and been drafted in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball draft, I would have taken it in a heartbeat.”
“One of the things that I was taught in Portland is ‘Never too high, never too low.’”
“For me, it was my dream as a kid to play two sports at the highest level I possibly could. Doing that at Notre Dame just meant I had to sacrifice in ways a normal college student wouldn’t have had to sacrifice.”
“When I come off the bench, I have that intensity and that effort. That’s something all of us guys are trying to bring … Because we can play a role in any game, let alone the playoffs.”
“For me, it’s about making the winning plays, making the right plays, … and being aggressive whether it’s on defense or offense.”
“I realized if and when I ever put my mind strictly to baseball, I can do some things very few people in this world can.”
“Winning has always been the most important thing to me.”
These quotes reflect his mindset: measured, team-first, driven, and rooted in self-awareness.
Lessons from Pat Connaughton
From his life and career, several lessons emerge:
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Embrace versatility
Rather than pigeonholing himself early, Connaughton showed that developing multiple skills (in sports and business) can create unique paths. -
Trust the process
His career wasn’t always steady or glamorous. But with consistency and patience, he found a valued role in the NBA. -
Capitalizing off-court interests
Connaughton’s investments and business ventures show that athletes can—and arguably should—plan beyond their playing years. -
Mental balance
His quote “Never too high, never too low” underscores the importance of emotional equilibrium in high-pressure arenas. -
Sacrifice and persistence
Returning to Notre Dame for a final college season despite financial tradeoffs, managing injuries, and accepting limited roles underline that success often requires sacrifice and resilience.
Conclusion
Pat Connaughton’s life is a compelling narrative of dual aspirations, strategic choices, and quiet impact. He may not command headlines like superstars, but his steady presence, basketball IQ, and professional character make him invaluable to every team he's been part of. As he embarks on his chapter with the Charlotte Hornets, his legacy continues to grow—not just in stats, but in the inspiration his journey offers.
Explore more of his thoughts, games, and quotes to see how a behind-the-scenes role can carry outsized influence.