Gabe York’s journey from Fort Wayne to the Indiana Pacers

Gabe York played the final two games of the 2021-22 NBA season for the Indiana Pacers. The Fort Wayne Mad Ants drafted the 28-year-old Gabe York with the 3rd overall pick in the 2021 G-League Draft.

York had prior G-League experience, spending two seasons with the Lakeland Magic from 2017-18 to 2018-19.

After spending most of the season in Fort Wayne, York was called up to the Indiana Pacers as their season came to a close.

On Apr. 7, 2022, Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted that York’s contract would be converted to a two-way deal with the Pacers. He played in 34 games for the Mad Ants and averaged 21.8 points a game, 4.4 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals during the regular season.

I spoke with Gabe York before the season began to discuss his mindset and his goals for this season. He didn’t specify that a call-up was on his mind, but I think looking back he would be pleased.

"“That (the Mad Ant’s) pick wasn’t wasted. Being 28 years old, I’m a vet now, and I’ve played in the G-League once so it’s a matter of understanding my role as a player. I don’t want to do too much or too little, but being a vocal leader of this team along with Justin Anderson and Keifer Sykes taking that role as well”."

One thing that stood out in this quote was the mention of Justin Anderson and Keifer Sykes being leaders on the Fort Watne team. Each one of those players would be called up to play for the Indiana Pacers during the season. Sykes would be converted to a standard contract.

York spent two games of on-court action with the Indiana Pacers against the playoff-bound Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. He would score seven points against the 76ers in his first game, which were also his first NBA points, and score one point against the Nets via a free throw.

York was an exciting player to watch and a sharpshooter for the Mad Ants. In late December, York connected on nine threes against the Wisconsin Herd. He scored 36 points in the outing where the Mad Ants would score over 150 points to win the game.

York is still with the Pacers during the offseason and we may see more of him in town throughout next season whether it is in Fort Wayne or training camp for the Pacers.

He can be seen pictured alongside his former Mad Ant teammate Terry Taylor, who signed a three-year deal with the Pacers this season. You can also see some assistant coaches as well as Tyrese Haliburton and Isaiah Jackson who are all working out in Indiana.

York was a former teammate of T.J. McConnell with the Arizona Wildcats. James Boyd of the IndyStar reports York’s comments.

"“I played with him at Arizona for three years, and to this day he’s the same guy. Same guy as eight years ago that I last saw, last talked to, last hung out with. So I’m excited to play with everybody. I think there’s a lot of talent on this team, but definitely excited to play with T.J.”"

The former Mad Ant will look forward to making next season his best and there is no question he will put in the work to see more time on the court after seeing a glimpse of NBA action this year.