8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

Cole Swider made bold statement with performance vs. Hawks

By Elie Deglaoui

Jul 5, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Cole Swider (21) warms up before a game against the Sacramento Kings at the California Summer League at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Jul 5, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Cole Swider (21) warms up before a game against the Sacramento Kings at the California Summer League at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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Last night, the Indiana Pacers played their first NBA game since getting sent home by the Boston Celtics during Game 4 of last season's Eastern Conference Finals. Though it was just a preseason game, Pacers fans had plenty of reasons to look forward to their matchup against the Atlanta Hawks to see how new players fit in with the team and how returning players may have improved.

One of the most noteworthy players is Cole Swider. Swider signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Pacers back in August. At the time, the expectation was that he and Kendall Brown would fight for a roster spot for the 2024-25 season. However, with his performance against the Hawks, Swider certainly made his presence felt on the court.

Cole Swider had a fantastic preseason debut with the Pacers

Now, it is important to emphasize that this was just one preseason game. If there was ever an NBA game that does not matter, it is this one. However, there was still a lot to be excited about with what Pacers fans saw out of Swider.

In the loss, the 25-year-old scored 12 points in 16 minutes while shooting 4-for-10 from the field and 2-for-6 from beyond the arc. Only Quenton Jackson (13 points) and Pascal Siakam (15 points scored more than Swider did. Additionally, Swider recorded six rebounds and two assists.

By no means was Swider's performance an MVP-caliber one, but it was extremely promising. His defense still needs work, but the wing made his presence felt in every other aspect of the game.

All things considered, Swider's Pacers debut went as well as it possibly could have, and it would not be a shock if head coach Rick Carlisle, who is openly a fan of Swider's, utilizes him often the next time they see the court.

Is it a guarantee Swider will make the roster? No, but it is trending in that direction after one game. This is especially true given his usage rate over Brown's. Additionally, even if he does make the roster, it will be difficult for him to regularly crack the rotation. However, after his performance against Atlanta, Swider proved why he belongs on the roster heading into the 2024-25 season.

The Pacers' next preseason game is tomorrow, October 10 on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7 PM EST. With the rest of the roster mostly solidified, it is safe to assume Swider will have another opportunity to showcase his talents and earn a roster spot.

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