The Pacers have re-signed center James Wiseman to a 10-day contract via a hardship exception, the team announced in a press release. Indiana ended Gabe McGlothan‘s 10-day hardship deal after just four days in order to bring back Wiseman.
Wiseman, who will be active for Saturday’s game in New Orleans, was released by the Pacers about a week into the 2025/26 regular season amid a wave of backcourt injuries. He had re-signed with Indiana over the summer on a two-year, minimum-salary deal that featured a $1MM partial guarantee (the second season was a team option).
The second overall pick of the 2020 draft, Wiseman has dealt with multiple major injuries during his NBA career, having missed the entire 2021/22 campaign following knee surgery. The 24-year-old also tore his Achilles tendon in Indiana’s regular season opener in October 2024, an injury which sidelined him for the remainder of ’24/25.
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.
While the Pacers have been ravaged by injuries to open ’25/26, their three centers (Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson and Tony Bradley) have been active for every game to this point, observes Tony East of Circle City Spin (Twitter links).
However, that may change on Saturday, as Bradley has been diagnosed with a fractured right thumb and is considered questionable to suit up against the Pelicans. The addition of Wiseman could mean Bradley will miss some time with the injury, East notes.
McGlothan didn’t play at all in his only game on the Pacers’ active roster, but will still receive his full 10-day salary of $73,153.
poor gabe, wish he could’ve gotten into a game
Good move
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.
Solid post – well done.
Historically, Wiseman has underperformed on Defense, allowing his “assignment” to shoot upwards of 70%, over the years (worst in the NBA). On Offense, reports have said he’s below average in setting screens….
Am curious as to why he’s just been playing pickup games, and not pursuing overseas oppprtunities.