It's unconventional, but as it stands, the Indiana Pacers might have four centers on the roster as they head into the new season.
Following Myles Turner's shocking departure in free agency, Indiana is on a quest to find a legitimate replacement for their former big man. It's looking like the Pacers are going to run a committee at center and rely on a few different players to make up for the Texas native's absence.
Currently, the Pacers have four centers: Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley. Typically, most NBA teams do not enter a regular season with four centers on the roster. Furthermore, it is even more uncommon that all four players will be a regular part of the rotation. However, unless something changes, this is looking to be the case for Indiana.
It would be a bold decision, but there are reasons to believe that the Pacers are about to make this roster move. Whether it works out for them or not, however, remains to be seen.
The Pacers can get value out of all of their centers
For one reason or another, each big man currently on Indiana's roster can make an impact and help the team as they aim to re-establish themselves as title contenders.
Perhaps the most intriguing center on Indiana's roster is Huff, who the team acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies following Turner's exit. The Virginia alum plays similarly to Turner, which makes him an intriguing addition to the team. He can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and run the length of the court. Additionally, he gives the Pacers their best option to seamlessly transition into their post-Turner era. What his long-term role with the team will look like remains to be seen, but as it is, he looks like he could be a fantastic fit.
As for Jackson and Wiseman, they are both in similar situations. They are both young and have a lot of potential. Jackson has been in Indiana since 2021, and he has gradually improved every season. Wiseman, on the other hand, played just five minutes for the team last year before suffering an Achilles injury, but he looked good during his limited time, showing off his athleticism and fit in the system.
Furthermore, given that they are each coming off season-ending Achilles injuries, it would be difficult for the Pacers to rely on them too much, especially right away.
The odd man out currently looks to be Bradley. After two years away from the NBA, the Pacers signed the former first-round pick last season, and he looked solid at times. He mostly provides value as a rebounder (which the Pacers desperately need), though he can contribute a little bit on the defensive side of the ball as well.
Bradley's future in Indiana is up in the air because of his contract situation. The Pacers picked up his team option, but he is on a non-guaranteed deal, meaning they can cut him without having to pay him anything. Plus, of all four big men on the team, he has the least amount of upside. Even so, it says a lot if the team is willing to give him another chance to prove himself. It also helps that he can help Indiana in different ways than the other three can.
The Pacers' center situation will be important to monitor next season. There is a chance that they make a move by the start of the season, but as it stands, fans should anticipate the team keeping all four of their centers around as they look to experiment with the roster a bit and find long-term solutions.