2 Indiana Pacers players who could surprise in the 2024-25 season

After their impressive campaign last season, virtually nothing can come as a surprise for the Indiana Pacers next season.

The team acquired former NBA champion Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors during the season, enjoyed breakout campaigns from nearly everybody on the team (most notably Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and Obi Toppin), and ultimately made an unlikely Eastern Conference Finals appearance for the first time since 2014.

This is a Pacers organization that is just a couple of years removed from finishing in the bottom three of the Eastern Conference standings for the 2021-22 season. However, outside of the team name and jerseys (and of course, some players, especially long-time center Myles Turner), the Pacers are a completely different team now than they were back then.

As the team prepares for training camp, which is set to begin on October 1, we know a little bit more about to what expect from the Pacers next season. However, that does not mean we will not be in for a couple of surprises as well.

These are two Pacers who could surprise next season.

1. Jarace Walker

The Pacers acquired Jarace Walker during the 2023 NBA Draft. Walker, who was drafted by the Washington Wizards with the eighth pick, had a disappointing rookie campaign. The forward appeared in just 33 games for the team, spending a lot of his time in the G League. With the Pacers, he averaged just 3.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.

Not only were Walker's NBA stats lackluster, but he did not pass the eye test either. His defense, which was his specialty entering the draft, was far from spectacular. All in all, his rookie season went as poorly as it could have. However, Walker still has immense talent and is a prime breakout candidate for the Pacers.

Walker played well in the G League last season, averaging 21 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1 steal per game. Additionally, he was fantastic in the Summer League this year as well and looked much more comfortable on the court.

What makes Walker such an intriguing player in Indiana is that, in theory, he is the perfect fit for the team. He is very athletic and, on paper, is a defensive specialist. It is no secret at this point how badly the Pacers need defensive upgrades on the team, and if Walker could provide that, it would pay dividends for him and the team in the long run.

There is some uncertainty regarding what Walker's role with the team will ultimately be. However, if he and the team can iron it out, Walker has the versatility to play either forward position (as well as small-ball center, if needed) and could become an essential part of Indiana's future.

2. James Wiseman

This offseason, the Pacers signed center James Wiseman to a two-year, $4.7 million contract, including a team option for the 2025-26 season. In 2020, Wiseman joined the Golden State Warriors after they drafted him second overall. To put it directly, the big man has been a bust, not panning out in the NBA whatsoever so far.

Wiseman only played in 60 total games for the Warriors before they traded him to the Detroit Pistons. His time in Detroit was also disappointing, and they elected to renounce his rights this summer instead of trying to bring him back.

In the NBA, Wiseman has been a poor defender, an average rebounder, and a limited scorer. Considering he was selected over players like LaMelo Ball, Devin Vassell, and Tyrese Maxey, as well as current Pacers Tyrese Haliburton, Obi Toppin, and Aaron Nesmith, Wiseman has been a colossal disappointment.

So why could that change now? It is simple--the Pacers are elite at developing players and bringing the best out of them.

After signing with the team, Wiseman cited the Pacers' ability to develop players as a major reason he came to Indiana. Additionally, you do not need to look far to realize how accurate Wiseman's sentiment is. On this roster alone, Haliburton, Nesmith, Toppin, and T.J. McConnell have all benefited from joining the Pacers.

Furthermore, something Wiseman has that will always benefit him is his physical tools. He is 7'1 and 240 pounds and is very athletic. If there is any head coach in the NBA who can get the best out of Wiseman, it is Rick Carlisle.

It is also easy to forget that Wiseman is just 23 years old. At this point, it is fair to say he has yet to hit his peak. Wiseman joins a Pacers team that desperately needs frontcourt depth, especially at center. He is not a threat to overtake Turner as the team's starting center, but the backup battle between him and Isaiah Jackson will be worth monitoring.

Regardless of what happens, Wiseman has nothing to lose and everything to gain at this point. The potential for a career resurgence is there, especially since he will be given a good opportunity. If Wiseman can even slightly become the player he was entering the 2020 NBA Draft, he will become an immediate asset on a contending Pacers team.