The Indiana Pacers announced that they’ve waived backup center Kevin Seraphin before his contract would have become guaranteed. Shams Charania of The Vertical first reported.
The Lance Stephenson — Kevin Seraphin pick-and-roll is dead. According to a Shams Charania report, the Pacers have waived Seraphin before his guarantee date.
Sources: Indiana has waived center Kevin Seraphin, who had guarantee date on the upcoming season of his deal.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 31, 2017
This news was unexpected. Kevin Pritchard and the whole Pacers organization made multiple comments about Seraphin this offseason that gave the impression he would be on the roster to start the season. However, it was always a possibility that the French center would be cut to free up more playing time for the glut of young bigs on the roster.
Seraphin and prodigal franchise star Lance Stephenson developed an exciting pick-and-roll chemistry in the few games they played together at the end of last season, and it looked as if the duo would make up a big portion of the second unit offense.
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Then, Pritchard and the gang traded for Domantas Sabonis and drafted T.J. Leaf and Ike Anigbogu, creating something of a front court logjam. Until this news, it seemed likely that either Leaf or Anigbogu would spend most of their time in Ft. Wayne, but Seraphin’s departure clears some room.
Seraphin’s departure also eliminates any chance of the “double plodder” lineups (credit to Caitlin Cooper at Indy Cornrows for the term) that were fun for no one last season. With Al Jefferson being the only “plodder” left on the team, Nate McMillan will have no choice but to run.
Being cut so late in the summer doesn’t bode well for Seraphin’s chances of finding another roster spot, but he proved last season that he belongs in this league. Hopefully, a team with an empty spot will take a chance on him and let him continue to show the NBA what he can do.
This also means that the Pacers will have another spot to fill on their roster. Wing depth is the only real hole, as they only have two small forwards on the roster. The last remaining free agents are already starting to sign overseas deals, so Indiana will have to hurry if they want someone with experience. They could also choose to bring in a summer league standout like Travis Leslie on a partially guaranteed deal.
Next: What to love and hate about Lance Stephenson
Au revoir, Né Prêt. You will be missed.