James Wiseman admits being devastated when the Pacers decided to waive him in October, and he hopes to make a strong impression as he returns to the team, even if it may be temporary, writes Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.
Wiseman’s latest opportunity comes via the hardship exception, which Indiana used to sign him to a 10-day contract earlier today to provide front court depth. He was immediately placed on the active roster for tonight’s game at New Orleans.
“He’s been in California, working out,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “He’s been finding pickup games out there. We worked him out early this morning. He looks great. He’s not in NBA game shape by any stretch, no one can be, but for somebody in his situation, he’s got the best head start you can probably have.”
As Dopirak explains, Wiseman was the victim of a numbers crunch that led to his early-season release. He was the starting center October 25 against Memphis, marking his first game since tearing his Achilles tendon on opening night of the 2024/25 season, but the Pacers needed to open a roster spot to sign a guard after Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin all got hurt. They couldn’t afford the luxury of keeping four centers on the roster and decided to part with Wiseman.
He flew back to Indianapolis after receiving the news and talked with family members to work out his future.
“As soon as it happened, my mom came down, my family came down,” Wiseman said. “I was able to grieve for a little bit. Get that out. You can’t suppress that type of stuff. But as soon as I landed I got in the weight room and used all my anger and kind of worked out. Just trying to get all that out. I just kept working ever since then. I haven’t stopped.”
His relentless training took him to Irvine, California, where he played in pickup games over the past three weeks. His chance to return to the league came when backup center Tony Bradley suffered a fracture on the tip of his thumb. This time Indiana needed help in the middle, and Wiseman got a call on Thursday to meet the team in New Orleans.
Dopirak notes that Wiseman may not see much playing time over the next 10 days, as Jay Huff and Isaiah Jackson handle the bulk of center minutes. Bradley believes he’ll be able to play with a splint on his thumb, even though it limits his ability to shoot and handle the ball.
Wiseman indicated that he’ll be grateful for any playing time he gets, along with the chance to prove to the Pacers and any other teams who may be watching that he’s still worthy of a roster spot.
“I motivated myself knowing there was going to be another way around,” Wiseman said. “So you just gotta keep working and stay ready. … I’m gonna go out there and play my (expletive) hardest. Leave it all out there on the floor. Whatever they want me to do I’m gonna do it. Still enjoy it at the same time and go out there and just play.”
a busted top 5 pick from the 2020 draft? Bulls are about to give this guy a bag.
Steve Kerr’s biggest failure. No wonder he has done such a horrific job on Kuminga, Moody, Jackson-Davis, Post and now Richard. Kerr cannot be trusted to do a crucial part of his job, yet he keeps his job? Lifetime gigs should not exist in the NBA. He has to step down.
Kerr and Curry are tied at the hip
You have to wonder Why the Warriors didn’t sign him. At 24 he hasn’t even peaked yet. I was really surprised Detroit let him go. Cause he was playing well there. And their biggest need is a backup center.
Do the math per 36 mins — Wiseman stats are better than half the Centers in NBA. And that’s with him being considered not playing well. Too bad he never got the right coaching when he was drafted. Wiseman didn’t even play college ball. He was all talent and upside. Nobody took the time to coach him up.
“ In 149 games with Golden State, Detroit and Indiana, Wiseman has averaged 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per contest.”
Per 36 mind thats —— 17.2 pts and 10 reb a game.
What’s that worth to a team. Unbelievable. lols.
Rooting for you James Wiseman. 👏👏