The Indiana Pacers have to convert Quenton Jackson to a standard deal to ensure that both Enrique Freeman and Taelon Peter get two-way contracts with the team.
Currently, Indiana only has one two-way spot open, and it seems likely that it will go to Peter. However, Freeman, who showed flashes during his rookie season and is having a solid summer league campaign, also deserves at least a two-way deal. In order for the team to open up another spot, it may be best for them to bump Jackson up, who has already proven he can hang in the big leagues.
The Pacers have 15 players on the roster. However, while nothing is official yet, it seems like the safest bet is that they will cut Tony Bradley by the start of the season. This would free up a roster spot (and likely a two-way spot as well).
Freeman has his flaws, but there is a lot to like about his game. Especially as the Pacers look for their next center of the future, the Ohio native could be a guy to keep an eye on down the line. However, in order for this to happen, the team needs to give him a contract. It may seem like a challenge for Indiana now, but there is a clear solution to their problem.
Enrique Freeman has shown he has a lot of potential
At 25 years old, Freeman's ceiling is much lower than some of the Pacers' other prospects. Even so, he has a lot of talent and looked solid during his limited NBA action.
Though he is primarily a power forward, Freeman has experience playing small-ball center. Furthermore, he is incredibly athletic and brings a lot of energy onto the court. He also provides value at every level of the game. Freeman is a bit undersized for a center, which does not bode well for him. However, he plays a lot bigger than he actually is.
The Akron alum still needs to work on different elements of his game, which is why it might be too soon to give him a standard contract and a consistent role. Furthermore, Freeman would still be buried on the depth chart next season anyway. Either way, he has a lot of talent and potential, and he deserves to remain with the team.
As for moving Jackson up, it is a no-brainer. He is too good to stay in the G League, and with Tyrese Haliburton on the shelf next season, he might have a big opportunity to break out. Whether the Pacers will actually do it or not remains to be seen, but it is fair to say he at least deserves the chance.
With the start of next season still months away, Freeman's status will be worth monitoring. He is a good fit with the team and has shown growth from last year. A bigger role may not be on the table for him next season, but that could change down the line. No matter what, he has earned his spot with the Pacers organization. They just need to make sure he gets it.