In this series, 8p9s writer Tony East breaks down the contract situation of each Pacers player. In this edition, we’ll look at Ben Moore, who is a player.
Who is Ben Moore?
That is a great question. His signing was announced on Aug. 15, and that may have been the last time you heard anything about him. Undrafted out of SMU, he played as a big man for the Mustangs in college before the Pacers gave him an opportunity to play for their Summer League team.
Draft express described Moore as a high motor big man who lacks size. They note that his length and defensive intelligence are his best skills, and even though he is only 6-foot-6, his 6-foot-10 plus wingspan allows him to be effective on both ends. In Summer League, he showed that motor, grabbing three rebounds per game in just 15 minutes, impressive for his height.
Here’s Moore on the opportunity to play for the Pacers, courtesy of Pacers.com.
2017-18 season
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Moore signed a contract that makes him an affiliate player. For now, that means very little. He carries a minimum cap hit for the Pacers, that much we know. Because he is an affiliate player, that means he has $50,000 or less of guaranteed money. In fact, it could be zero dollars guaranteed.
What this contract does do is bring Moore into training camp under contract. If he impresses, the Pacers can bring him in to play for the pro team. If he disappoints but shows flashes of potential, the front office can decide to send him down to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants for the season.
2018 summer and beyond
Moore may not even make the team this year, so predicting what happens for him next summer is almost impossible. If he does play for the Pacers or the Mad Ants, and succeeds, then maybe the Pacers would sign him to a guaranteed contract next summer, but until we see him play it is impossible to predict.
Prediction time
Moore will almost certainly be a Mad Ants player during the 2017-18 season. He has done little, in either Summer League or college to show that he belongs in the NBA, and he likely wouldn’t grow enough in one season to be worth a pro contract.
Kevin O’Connor said in his article about Moore: “He is exactly the type of player that fits the mold of a successful undrafted player. Moore’s old coach, Larry Brown, would know — he’s coached some of the NBA’s best.” If he is right, Moore can eventually be a successful player for the Pacers.
Next: Can T.J. Leaf play his way into a role this year?
For now, don’t expect to see him suit up for the pro team.