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James Johnson Woj: Pacers re-sign James Johnson on one-year deal Wed, Jul 24, 2024, 10:19 AM Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pacers have re-signed James Johnson on a one-year, $3.3 million deal. Analysis: While Johnson did not play much last season, the veteran forward has been a critical mentor for the young Pacers. He appeared in only nine games in 2023-24, so there's no need to consider Johnson's potential fantasy value in 2024-25.
Andrew Nembhard Andrew Nembhard inks 3-year, $59M extension Wed, Jul 24, 2024, 4:28 AM Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Andrew Nembhard has agreed to a three-year, $59 million extension with the Pacers. Analysis: Nembhard was one of the breakout stars of last season's playoffs, taking on an increased workload while Tyrese Haliburton dealt with injuries. Nembhard's extension cements him as one of Indiana's cornerstone pieces alongside Haliburton.
Jarace Walker Jarace Walker pours in 13/11/6/1/1 line vs. Denver Thu, Jul 18, 2024, 1:16 PM Jarace Walker posted a full line on Thursday with 13 points (4-of-15 FGs), 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal, one block and two triples in an 86-71 loss to the Nuggets. Analysis: As expected, Walker has had a strong summer. That hasn't always meant efficient shooting, as we saw in this game. However, he is averaging 18.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.0 block and 2.8 triples through their first four games of the summer. Walker should play a larger role this upcoming season for Indiana than he did as a rookie, but with how deep they are, that may not lead to much fantasy production. At this point, he shouldn't be more than a late round dart throw.
Emoni Bates Johnny Furphy held to eight points in loss Thu, Jul 18, 2024, 1:10 PM Johnny Furphy struggled with his shot on Thursday and finished with eight points (3-of-12 FGs), five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one triple against Denver. Analysis: Furphy looked really good through his first three games of the summer, but he did struggle a bit in this one. However, there's no reason to be concerned. The second round pick is averaging 14.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 2.5 triples per game this summer, which is impressive to see out of a player that is still only 19 years old. He may be able to earn rotation minutes for the Pacers this season, but his role will likely be too small for him to impact fantasy much in year one.
Emoni Bates Johnny Furphy tallies 18 points, full stat line Sun, Jul 14, 2024, 2:03 PM Johnny Furphy played 30 minutes in Sunday's loss to the Timberwolves, accounting for 18 points (7-of-14 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), seven rebounds, one assist, two steals, two blocks, and two 3-pointers. Analysis: After a relatively muted performance in his summer debut, Furphy looked more comfortable on the court on Sunday. He led the Pacers in scoring while recording a full stat line, making plays on both ends of the floor. Cracking the Pacers rotation as a rookie will be difficult due to the team's depth, but Furphy will have value in dynasty leagues.
Jarace Walker Jarace Walker to log minutes at SF this summer Sun, Jul 7, 2024, 4:16 PM Indianapolis Star Jarace Walker will play extended minutes as a small forward at the upcoming Vegas Summer League. Analysis: The eighth overall pick in last summer's draft, Walker played limited NBA minutes as a rookie. And with the Pacers re-signing Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin, the path to rotation minutes at power forward appears to be blocked. As a result, he will see plenty of time at the three in Las Vegas. âHe's going to start at the 3, but today's game is positionless,â Pacers summer league coach Jannero Pargo said. âIf he's ahead of the play, we want him dunking it and playing in the paint. If he's not, spacing the floor, handling the ball, playing in pick-and-roll, making decisions off the dribble. In all facets of the game, we want to use him because he's that kind of a player.â Regardless of where Walker slots into the lineup once the games count, he'll be part of a loaded Pacers rotation on the wings. While he remains a viable option in dynasty leagues, his value in redraft formats may be limited in 2024-25.
James Wiseman James Wiseman signs two-year deal with Pacers Tue, Jul 2, 2024, 8:10 AM Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that James Wiseman has agreed to a two-year deal with the Pacers. Analysis: Wiseman will join his fourth team since being selected No. 2 in 2020. He'll provide depth behind Myles Turner and will scrap for minutes with Isaiah Jackson. Wiseman could get a slight boost in fantasy value if he's able to secure the top backup spot behind Turner, but he's a deep-league dart-throw at best. Detroit's center depth consists of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, which means that unless the Pistons make a move for another big man, Beef Stew should play more minutes at the five in 2024-25. That could lead to more rebounds and a higher FG%.
Obi Toppin Woj: Obi Toppin intends to re-sign with Pacers Sun, Jun 30, 2024, 7:49 AM Adrian Wojnarowski on X Obi Toppin intends to re-sign with the Pacers on a four-year, $60 million deal, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Analysis: Indiana acquired Toppin last summer, but after opening the year as part of the starting unit, he was a reserve for the end of the year. He'll continue to play an important backup role behind Pascal Siakam for the foreseeable future, though his fantasy upside will be capped, barring injuries in front of him.
Jalen Smith Jalen Smith to decline $5.4 million player option Fri, Jun 28, 2024, 9:27 AM Michael Scotto on Twitter Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports that Jalen Smith will decline his $5.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season to enter free agency. Analysis: Smith enjoyed career-highs in FG% (59.2) and three-point percentage (42.4) in his fourth NBA season, and he should have no shortage of suitors given his ability to space the floor and block shots.
Enrique Freeman Indiana selects Enrique Freeman with No. 50 pick Thu, Jun 27, 2024, 4:53 PM The Pacers have selected Enrique Freeman with the No. 50 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Analysis: While he may not have attended a high-profile school, Freeman is one of the most accomplished collegians in this draft class. A three-time All-MAC selection at Akron, he won MAC Player of the Year honors this past season and helped lead the Zips to the NCAA tournament. Freeman's fifth season was his best, as he averaged 18.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 32.5 minutes per game. While Freeman shot 37% from three last season, he did so on 1.5 attempts per game. Despite standing at 6-foot-7, Freeman possessed high-level defensive abilities, and that may be where his âbreadâ needs to be buttered if he's to stick in the NBA. Freeman will likely have a tough time carving out a role as a rookie behind the likes of Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin for a Pacers team that was a few wins away from reaching the 2024 NBA Finals, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect too much from him in year one.
Tristen Newton Pacers select Tristen Newton with No. 49 pick Thu, Jun 27, 2024, 4:47 PM The Pacers selected Tristen Newton with the No. 49 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Analysis: Newton spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career at East Carolina before transferring to UConn for the last two. Newton led the Huskies to back-to-back national championships as the team's starting point guard, improving his production from 2022-23 to 2023-24. In his final season with UConn, Newton averaged 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.3 blocks and 1.8 triples. He led his team in scoring, assists, and made free throws (4.2 / 5.2) and finished behind only Donovan Clingan for the team lead in rebounds. Newton was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2023-24 NCAA Tournament and earned the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's best PG. His 41.5 / 32.1 / 80.8 shooting splits will likely move him down draft boards, but he brings championship experience and a winning attitude to the NBA. At first glance, Indiana isn't the best landing spot for Newton due to the team's loaded backcourt. However, holding onto Andrew Nembhard could get expensive if he decided to test free agency in the summer of 2025.
Emoni Bates San Antonio selects Johnny Furphy with No. 35 pick Thu, Jun 27, 2024, 3:48 PM The Spurs have selected Johnny Furphy with the No. 35 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Analysis: Furphy's production during his lone season at Kansas picked up once injuries freed up additional minutes for the freshman wing. From mid-January onward, the 6-foot-7.5 Australian averaged 11.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.6 3-pointers, shooting 46.4% from the field and 78.6% from the foul line. Well over half of Furphy's shot attempts for the season came from beyond the arc, and the majority of his makes were assisted. He didn't show much regarding the ability to create for himself, and the athletic testing numbers suggest that he may be more of a catch-and-shoot option at the NBA level. The Spurs drafted Furphy, but they'll send him to the Indiana Pacers, where he'll look to provide length and outside shooting prowess among a smaller group of wings.
Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam to ink 4-year, $189.5M max extension Wed, Jun 19, 2024, 8:49 AM Adrian Wojnarowski According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Pascal Siakam will sign a four-year, $189.5 million max extension with the Pacers. Analysis: Siakam can sign the deal on July 6 when the free agency moratorium period ends. It's not a surprising update based on earlier reports indicating he'd return to Indiana on a long-term deal.
Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam, Pacers nearing long-term extension Tue, Jun 18, 2024, 12:14 PM Scott Agness on Twitter According to Pacers beat writer Scott Agness, Pascal Siakam and the Pacers are nearing a long-term contract extension. Analysis: According to Agness, âBoth sides know how each other feels [and] want the partnership to continue.â It's not surprising news considering Siakam's trade to Indiana at the end of his expiring deal. The belief was that he would stick around for the long haul after the Pacers traded for him, and he'll be back with Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner and the rest of Indiana's young core as the team looks to replicate the success it found in an Eastern Conference Finals run this season. Siakam averaged 21.3 points on 54.9% shooting, 7.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 triples across 41 appearances for the Pacers and finished 77th in per-game fantasy value in that span. He'll be worth a look in the middle rounds of 2024-25 fantasy drafts.
Obi Toppin Obi Toppin hits two 3-pointers, scores 12 points Mon, May 27, 2024, 5:44 PM Obi Toppin logged 29 minutes in Monday's 105-102 loss to Boston, recording a stat line of 12 points (5-of-9 FGs), seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers. Analysis: Toppin reached double figures in three of the four games in the Eastern Conference Finals, combining with T.J. McConnell to provide solid production off the bench. Game 3 of the Pacers' first-round series against the Bucks is when the former lottery pick's output picked up, and the timing was good with Toppin set to be a restricted free agent this summer. Re-signing Pascal Siakam will be Indiana's top priority this offseason, so seeing where that leaves Toppin will be interesting. If he winds up in a spot where he can potentially start, that would boost his fantasy value. However, staying with the Pacers would be best in terms of the opportunity to win and potentially contend in the East.
T.J. McConnell T.J. McConnell records 15/5/4/1 line in Game 4 Mon, May 27, 2024, 5:38 PM T.J. McConnell finished Monday's 105-102 loss to the Celtics with 15 points (7-of-16 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 25 minutes. Analysis: As in Game 3, McConnell increased his production with Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) sidelined. The veteran backup point guard has been a critical contributor for the Pacers the past two seasons. While that may not mean much regarding consistent fantasy value, McConnell is a player the Pacers value immensely. He's eligible for an extension this summer, but Indiana must also navigate Pascal Siakam's unrestricted free agency. As for McConnell's fantasy prospects, he's a player who's most valuable as a streamer if Haliburton or Andrew Nembhard is sidelined.
Myles Turner Myles Turner (back) struggles in Game 4 defeat Mon, May 27, 2024, 5:32 PM iPacers on Twitter Myles Turner (lower back soreness) shot 2-of-6 from the field and 2-of-2 from the foul line in Monday's 105-102 loss to the Celtics, accumulating eight points, four rebounds, one assist, and two 3-pointers in 27 minutes. Analysis: In addition to foul trouble, Turner had to deal with a lingering back issue that flared up after he took a shot during the first half of Monday's game. He made multiple trips back to the locker room to receive treatment, and the Pacers center could not offer much help to his teammates in Game 4. Monday's defeat is a brutal way for Turner's season to end, as he reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in his career. The Pacers center finished the season ranked just outside the top 50, a bit disappointing given the Yahoo ADP (37.5). The 2023-24 campaign ended a run of three straight top-25 seasons for Turner, who's capable of beginning a new streak next season.
Aaron Nesmith Aaron Nesmith scores 14 points in series decider Mon, May 27, 2024, 5:26 PM Aaron Nesmith finished Monday's Game 4 loss to the Celtics with 14 points (4-of-11 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one 3-pointer in 35 minutes. Analysis: Nesmith struggled from beyond the arc in Game 4, making just one of his six attempts. He reached double figures in two of the four games, but Nesmith's growth as a defender has been one of the important storylines for the Pacers this season. The season-ending injury suffered by Bennedict Mathurin pushed the former Celtic into the Indiana starting lineup, and he proved to be a good fit. Nesmith finished the regular season ranked just outside the top 100 in 9-cat formats, and his value for the 2024-25 campaign will depend on where Mathurin falls within the rotation. If Rick Carlisle decides to prioritize defense in that spot, Nesmith could enter the season as a starter, boosting his fantasy value.
Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam finishes Game 4 with 19/10/3 line Mon, May 27, 2024, 5:21 PM Pascal Siakam logged 39 minutes in Monday's 105-102 loss to the Celtics, tallying 19 points (8-of-18 FGs, 3-of-5 FTs), 10 rebounds, and three assists. Analysis: Having scored at least 22 points in the first three games of the Eastern Conference Finals, Siakam fell three points shy of that number in Game 4. Overall, Spicy P had a good series, averaging 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 55.3% from the foul line. Siakam being traded to Indiana rejuvenated him this season, with the former Raptor fitting in well with his new teammates. While he did finish ranked outside the top 75 in 9-cat formats, Siakam has proven in the past that he's capable of more. He'll be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the Pacers' priority will be to re-sign Spicy P.
Andrew Nembhard Andrew Nembhard produces 24 points, 10 assists Mon, May 27, 2024, 5:12 PM Andrew Nembhard shot 10-of-18 from the field and 1-of-1 from the foul line in Monday's 105-102 loss to the Celtics, finishing with 24 points, six rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, one block, and three 3-pointers in 39 minutes. Analysis: The Pacers were again without Tyrese Haliburton, and Nembhard did his best to help make up for his absence. The second-year guard improved throughout the postseason and shined in Games 3 and 4. While there were some late-game turnovers that Nembhard will want back, his overall play should highly encourage the Pacers. He's fit in well as a starter next to Haliburton, but that has not translated into reliable fantasy value. Nembhard finished the regular season ranked outside the top 200, but he'll be worth selecting with a late-round pick in fantasy drafts next fall.