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The Indiana Pacers are signing Kyle O’Quinn

By Tony East

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 4: Lance Stephenson #1 of the Indiana Pacers and Kyle O'Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks before the game on December 4, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 4: Lance Stephenson #1 of the Indiana Pacers and Kyle O'Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks before the game on December 4, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Indiana Pacers, in need of a third center, found just what they were looking for with the signing of Kyle O’Quinn.

Just when it seemed like free agency was slowing down on all fronts, the Indiana Pacers made another splash. They brought in a center to add depth to their big man rotation, signing Kyle O’Quinn away from the New York Knicks.

Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports was the first on the news today:

Kyle O’Quinn has been on the Knicks for the past three seasons, and he was a member of the Orlando Magic for his entire career prior to that. He and Victor Oladipo were teammates back in his Magic days, and in New York, he played with new Pacer Doug McDermott. There is quite a bit of familiarity between O’Quinn and some current Pacers.

For his career, O’Quinn has posted averages of 5.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game across just 15 minutes. In Indiana, he likely slots into Al Jefferson’s role from last season as the third center. He can soak up minutes in a pinch if one of Myles Turner or Domantas Sabonis needs a breather, and he can even play big minutes without much issue.

O’Quinn is an efficient scorer and great passer. His 62.4 percent true shooting percentage from last season would have been the best mark on the Pacers, and his 18.6 percent assists percentage is excellent for a big man. For reference, Sabonis (who is largely considered a good passer) had an assist percentage of 12.7 percent last season.

O’Quinn’s 1 year, $4.449 million dollar contract is likely the Pacers room exception. This pushes them over the salary cap for the upcoming season.

Next: Wojnarowski: Lakers may see Pacers as escape plan for Lance Stephenson

Kyle O’Quinn will be a great locker room presence for a team that is known for its camaraderie. His attitude and added depth will be very valuable to the Pacers this coming season. Welcome him to the team, Pacers fans.

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