The Indiana Pacers have had a quiet offseason thus far, not making many free agency signings or trades. Teams like the Clippers, 76ers, and Mavericks are all over social media and TV shows, yet the Pacers are a handful of teams staying out of the headlines. However, the organization finally signed a player who wasn’t on their roster last year. That player is James Wiseman.
Former 2nd Overall Pick Signs With Pacers
Free agent center James Wiseman has agreed on a two-year contract with the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN. Wiseman was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/UBA9Yhlejx
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2024
The Pacers are one of the best teams in the NBA, a fact that simply can’t be disputed. In the 2023-24 season, the team finished 47-35, and made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals before being swept by the Boston Celtics. Led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers have a core that balances All-Stars with depth and shooting.
Wiseman’s Redemption
This is a solid signing for the Pacers and a very good move by James Wiseman and his agent. Coming to Indianapolis, Wiseman won’t be the starter and doesn’t have any pressure or expectations. He’ll be playing behind established center Myles Turner, who will also be able to mentor the young 23-year-old.
Wiseman hasn’t had much experience playing for winning teams. His first year with the Warriors had nothing but inconsistency; Klay Thompson was out for the season, Stephen Curry broke his hand, and the team as a whole was a shell of themselves after Kevin Durant‘s departure. While they would bounce back and win the 2022 NBA Finals, Wiseman wasn’t learning how to play winning basketball, because he was out for the entire season. When the Dubs gave up on him and traded Wiseman to Detroit, he played for one of the worst teams in the entire NBA.
As the number two overall pick, Wiseman was drafted with sky high expectations. The rookie was supposed to be the missing piece for the Warriors, the true center that they’d been lacking on all of those title runs. However, he was not, and people quickly labeled him a draft bust. To many, this was further justified after he didn’t improve his game in Detroit, a young rebuilding team.
The Pacers might be one of the best places for Wiseman to go. The team is consistent; Wiseman is the first new player to be signed to the team this offseason. They already re-signed Siakam and Obi Toppin, and have an all-around good roster. Playing limited minutes behind Turner, Wiseman can develop in practice, and learn to play winning basketball alongside his accomplished teammates.
