The Indiana Pacers signed Omari Johnson while confirming the signings of Ben Moore and Elijah Stewart as training camp approaches.
In a press release on Friday evening, the Indiana Pacers announced the signing of Omari Johnson while confirming a pair of previous signings — as well as some bad news.
We knew about Ben Moore and Elijah Stewart, but we found out the Pacers had signed Omari Johnson to their training camp roster.
While it isn’t likely that Johnson will make the regular-season roster, what should we know about the 6’9, 220-pound forward?
Johnson played a total of 4 games in the NBA last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 5.5 points and 2.8 rebounds. In the final game of the season against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the now 29-year old scored 13 points while grabbing 4 rebounds and hand out 4 assists.
For what it is worth he did face Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, and Russell Westbrook in that 137-123 loss, so those aren’t entirely empty stats on the final night of the season. The Thunder were in a tight playoff race, after all.
Again, it doesn’t seem very likely he’ll suit up for the Pacers in the regular season, but perhaps the Pacers stash him with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the G-League. Last season with the Memphis Hustle, Johnson averaged 15.6 points and 5.9 rebounds. He shot 41.8 percent from deep on 7.4 attempts a game.
In the Las Vegas Summer League, he averaged 7.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in 13 minutes a game for the Golden State Warriors.
He also played overseas after leaving Oregon State.
As far as training camp bodies go, Johnson is the perfect candidate. In limited NBA minutes, he showed his abilities and the G-League he was an above average scorer and rebounder who made a positive impact on his team. He can at least test his temporary teammates as he looks to impress Indiana or another organization.
Training camp begins on Tuesday for the Pacers.