Pacers' unexpected roster cut raises two main questions

In a bit of a shocking move, the Indiana Pacers have waived forward Cole Swider. The Pacers initially brought him in as a three-point specialist who was expected to compete for a standard roster spot with Kendall Brown. Just a few days ago, the Pacers waived Brown, making it seem that Swider's spot with the team was secure. Of course, this proved to not be the case.

Swider was on a non-guaranteed deal, making the decision to move on from him a sensible one. Still, the move is a little surprising. This is especially true given that he seemingly already had a fan in head coach Rick Carlisle.

The Rhode Island native played in four preseason games for Indiana. In those games, he averaged 7.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. He shot 34.5% from the field and 31.8% from beyond the arc. Given that he is a shooting specialist, this lack of efficiency is clearly not what the Pacers were hoping for out of Swider.

Now that Swider is no longer on the roster, and with the regular season kicking off in less than a week, there are two major questions that Pacers fans may want answers to.

1. What do the Pacers do with the final roster spot?

With Swider and Brown both off the team, the Pacers now have one roster spot open. Regardless of what they end up doing with it, it likely will not make a significant difference. The Pacers could leave that spot open to begin the year for salary purposes, much like the reigning champion Boston Celtics are likely to do, or they can bring in a cheap player worthy of a roster spot for one reason or another.

If the Pacers aim to do the former and leave the spot open, it provides some roster and salary flexibility for when the team does decide to bring in an extra player, whether it be through a signing or a potential trade. On the other hand, if Indiana decides to sign somebody right away, there are a few players who could take that spot, with one clear candidate that Pacers fans would be happy with.

2. Is Enrique Freeman bound for the main roster?

The Pacers drafted Freeman with the 50th overall pick back in June. Though he possesses a lot of tools and upside, the Pacers signed Freeman to a two-way contract. However, given his performance this preseason, the Cleveland native could be in line for a larger role in the organization.

Freeman played in four preseason games for the Pacers. In those games, he averaged 9 points on 66.7 FG%, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. This includes a 15-point performance last night against the Charlotte Hornets, where Freeman shot 7-for-8 from the field. Additionally, he recorded five rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and one steal.

A lot of the 24-year-old's value, however, is not reflected on the scoreboard. He brings a ton of energy on the court and has a tremendous work ethic. Additionally, he has already become a fan favorite and will likely continue to be one as long as he develops his game.

Given the decision to move on from Swider, it is possible that the Pacers will convert Freeman's two-way contract into a standard one. It may not happen right away, but after his showcase in the preseason, it is fair to assume it will happen sooner rather than later.