Through the first four games of the 2023/24 season, 14 of the 15 players on the Pacers‘ standard roster have appeared in at least two games and logged at least 18 total minutes. The only exception is center Daniel Theis, who has been a DNP-CD in all four contests.
Speaking to Brian Robb of MassLive on Wednesday, Theis admitted that he’s not thrilled by having a nonexistent role in Indiana so far this fall.
“Obviously after a great summer, I’m not happy with the situation I’m in right now,” Theis said. “I want to play and take all the good stuff from the summer into the season but it’s a long season. We are going to see what’s going on and what’s happening.”
Theis’ comments about his summer are references to the fact that he played a key role for the German national team en route to a gold medal in the World Cup. After being limited to just seven NBA appearances last season due to a knee injury, he averaged 10.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 21.8 minutes per game in Germany’s eight World Cup contests.
Theis had been hoping to carry over that success into the NBA season, but the Pacers have a crowded frontcourt behind starting center Myles Turner, with Isaiah Jackson and Jalen Smith also in the mix for minutes. Both players have been ahead of Theis on the depth chart in the early going.
“There’s communication but it’s also coach’s decision,” Theis told Robb. “I just stay ready, do my thing and whatever happens, happens.”
While Theis gave no indication that he’s seeking a trade or buyout at this point, his contract makes him a candidate for such a move. The 31-year-old is earning approximately $9.1MM in 2023/24 and has a $9.5MM team option for ’24/25, which will almost certainly be declined, so he’s essentially on an expiring deal.
Whether it happens in Indiana or somewhere else, Theis is clearly hoping to earn a bigger role at some point this season.
“I want to play and want to be part of the team, which is the most important thing,” he said.
Wonder how much Daniel Theis played in Germany winning the 2023 World Cup of basketball? Anyway, he just won the World Cup & doesn’t get to play? So I looked at the 3 ahead of him. Ok, Theis needs to move to another team. One which he’s 2nd or 3rd call instead of 4th. Which team will give him minutes, or might if injuries occur? I know which team I hope gets Theis!
He played 21.8 minutes per game.
If you want to know how many minutes he played you don’t have to look any further than the article above.
He’s a big step up from kornet.
Clippers or Memphis should be on the phone with Indiana. They need big man depth. New Orleans should inquire as well.
He’d be behind Zubac and Plumlee in LA so he’d still sit there.
But you probably have to keep him as he’s good insurance when a big man gets hurt. On some teams it’s not a matter of if but when.
Memphis!!!!!
Buddy Heild, Daniel Theis and a bunch of seconds or heavily protected first for DeRozan
Sounds like a trade to Boston is forthcoming
Boston does have a trade exemption but I doubt it happen until after December 15. Very few trades happen before that date.
At 9.1 mil, he can well afford to be unhappy.
Go to Charlotte and bring some culture to that southern wasteland
Wasn’t the biggest Theis guy when he was in Boston, but he’s definitely a serviceable big somewhere in the league. Kinda petty Carlisle couldn’t find garbage minutes for him last game.
Agree that he’s serviceable, but I guess I’d rather play my younger players that I’m trying to develop in a blowout like that.
Carlisle was 100% protecting him. Theis used to play for Boston…embarrassing game
Miami
He can be the backup in Portland when Time Lord’s knees inevitably blow out
Memphis absolutely
What about Theis and a 2nd for Bagley