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Pacers salary series: Ike Anigbogu

By Tony East

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Ike Anigbogu poses for a portrait after being selected forty-seventh overall by the Indiana Pacers during the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Ike Anigbogu poses for a portrait after being selected forty-seventh overall by the Indiana Pacers during the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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In this series, 8p9s writer Tony East breaks down the contract situation of each Pacers player. In this edition, we’ll look at second-round draft pick Ike Anigbogu.

Man, do the Pacers love having a second round pick on their roster. Rakeem Christmas, Joe Young, and Georges Niang all got at least one guaranteed season with the Indiana for little reason other than to have a cheap player. Second round picks are usually fliers, guys who have the chance to be a solid NBA player but aren’t there just quite yet.

That is exactly what Ike Anigbogu is for the Pacers. Drafted with the 47th pick, Anigbogu has tons of upside. In Draft Express’ 2017 mock draft, Ike was projected to be picked 25th. Kevin Pritchard and co. were able to snag him 47th.

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He fell so far due to injury concerns – he missed the first few games of his freshman season due to meniscus damage.

He injured that same knee while doing draft workouts. That scared teams off and the Pacers were able to snag him much later than expected.

Thank the basketball gods. For a second round pick, Anigbogu has skills that could make him a contributor sooner rather than later. He’s an established defender for an 18-year-old. He also has wonderful athleticism, which allows him to fly in for rebounds and dunks.

Here, he does both:

That is what he is being paid for, his baby DeAndre Jordan skill set.

2017-18 season

Ike Anibgobu signed a 3-year contract with a total value of $3,946,762. Of that almost $4 million total, $1.6 million of it is guaranteed; $950,000 for the coming season and $650,000 the following season. He carries a cap hit of $950,000 this year.

2018 summer and beyond

In the summer of 2018, Anigbogu’s contract carries a value of $1,378,242, but only $650,000 of that is guaranteed. If the Pacers waive him before July 15, 2018, they will only pay him $650,000. Instead, they may decide to keep him, then they will pay him almost $1.4 million. If that happens, the summer of 2019 Anigbogu has a fully non-guaranteed salary of $1,618,520.

Prediction time

I believe the Pacers will be patient with Anigbogu. He is only 18 years old, so he will need time to mature both athletically and as a person. His potential is enormous, so the Pacers will want to have him for at least two seasons before giving up on him. I believe Anigbogu will be a Pacer for at least three years, solely because of his potential.

In fact, I think Anigbogu will be very good. He fits the modern NBA well, and he has a chance to be a contributor sooner rather than later.

Next: Looking forward with Domantas Sabonis

Buy your Anigbogu gear now, fans. It’s only going to get more expensive later.

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