Just a couple of days before the Indiana Pacers' G League affiliate, the Mad Ants, are set to begin the new season, the team announced they have re-signed a familiar face to the roster.
In an official post on their X account, the Mad Ants have announced that they brought back big man Jordan Bell. Additionally, the Mad Ants announced that they waived Tyler Polley, who joined the team on an Exhibit 10 contract in September, as a corresponding move.
welcome back to the squad, Jordan Bell 😤
— Mad Ants Basketball (@TheMadAnts) November 13, 2024
additionally, we have waived forward Tyler Polley. pic.twitter.com/B0oHWzAiXe
Bell played in 22 games for the Mad Ants last season and started 12 games for the team. On the year, the California native averaged 12.2 points on 64.6% shooting, 7.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.7 blocks.
Additionally, Bell spent time with the Mad Ants during the 2021-22 season, back when they were in Fort Wayne.
With the addition of Bell, the Mad Ants now have another notable big man on the roster alongside former No. 3 overall draft pick Jahlil Okafor.
Indiana Mad Ants have re-signed Jordan Bell
Before he became a known name in the Pacers' organization, Bell bounced around between multiple teams in the NBA. Initially drafted in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft, Bell has played for five teams. Most notably, Bell spent parts of three seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he won a championship as a rookie. Additionally, he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, and Chicago Bulls.
The 29-year-old has not appeared in an NBA game since January 2022. Furthermore, he has not played in more than six games for a team in one season since he was in Minnesota during the 2019-20 campaign. It is unlikely that Bell will make his way to the Pacers' main roster this season even given their lack of frontcourt depth. Regardless, the team at least has the option if they decide to pull the trigger.
Though he has not made his presence felt on the NBA level, Bell's performances with the Mad Ants over the last couple of seasons is noteworthy. He clearly possesses a lot of talent. However, his game never fully translated to the NBA, especially given that he is a primary center who is 6'8". Furthermore, he will turn 30 in January.
Regardless of what his potential NBA future looks like, Bell has another opportunity to showcase his talents in Indiana this season. The Mad Ants begin their season on Friday against the Iowa Wolves.