The Indiana Pacers have gotten very little out of their rookie class this year, but that was to be expected. Their rookies currently rostered are RayJ Dennis, Enrique Freeman, and second-round draft pick Johnny Furphy. All three of these rookies have played spotty minutes with the Pacers this season and have had just few opportunities to showcase their talents. Regardless, there is still a lot to like about these Pacers, with the hope that they improve and remain with the team in the long run.
One rookie in particular that has the attention of Pacers fans is Freeman, who the team selected with the 50th pick in last year's draft. The Cleveland native played a pretty big role earlier in the season and even started his seventh career game. During that time, Freeman showcased his potential and immediately made his presence felt as a high-energy player. However, Freeman, who is on a two-way contract, has played just 39 combined minutes since the start of December.
It is unlikely that he will play a major role on the team for the rest of this season, especially in the playoffs, but a big change could still be on the horizon for Freeman as he aims to develop into a rotational player in Indiana.
Tony East names Enrique Freeman as a contract conversion candidate
In a recent episode of the Locked On Pacers podcast (YouTube link), Tony East named Freeman as a legitimate candidate to have his two-way contract converted into a standard deal by the end of the season. East mentioned that this is what the Pacers did with Kendall Brown last year, which opened up a two-way contract for Quenton Jackson.
"Enrique Freeman is a contract conversion candidate for the Pacers from his two-way deal to a standard deal. Your reference point for that kind of transaction, that happened last year with Kendall Brown. Kendall Brown had his contract converted from a two-way deal to a standard deal. That's how they got Quenton Jackson in the door because they had a new two-way deal [and] that's worked out great for them.
"So Freeman, I think, is the most likely two-way guy to get converted anyway just watching him this season...if March 5, which is, I believe, the date for two-way signings comes this year and the Pacers have a roster spot, which could be created by waiving somebody, or if they salary dump James Wiseman or Isaiah Jackson, or they do make a big trade that leaves them with a roster spot, keep an eye on Enrique Freeman."
Even if Freeman's contract does get converted this season, that on its own does not immediately mean he will get more playing time. However, it bodes well for his Pacers future. Converting Freeman's two-way deal to a standard contract indicates that the Pacers want to keep him around and develop him.
One major thing that stands out about the 24-year-old is his versatility. Despite being listed at 6'7, Freeman is capable of playing small-ball center and plays much bigger than he is. It is tough to gauge just how good Freeman can be or what his Pacers future might look like, but it is clear that he has a lot of potential and could be an asset to the team. Converting his contract this year is just the start of what could be a major shift for Freeman's NBA career.