After the Indiana Pacers signed rookie Enrique Freeman to their final two-way contract, it officially signaled the end of center Oscar Tshiebwe's time with with team. Though he has a lot of potential, it was clear the Pacers did not have a spot for him on the roster. However, luckily for the 24-year-old, his NBA career will now continue with a new team.
In an official statement put out by the team, the Utah Jazz announced that they have signed Tshiebwe to a two-way contract. To make room for the former Pacers big man, the team waived guard Taevion Kinsey.
The Pacers initially signed the Kentucky alum as an undrafted free agent last year. In eight games with the team, Tshiebwe averaged 3.3 points and 2 rebounds in 5.3 minutes per game. However, while his NBA stats are forgettable, Tshiebwe truly made his presence felt in the G League.
In 23 games with the Indiana Mad Ants of the G League, Tshiebwe averaged 16.2 points, a league-leading 16 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1 steal per game. Furthermore, he shot 55.7% from the field. Tshiebwe's performance earned him a spot on the G League All-Rookie First Team and the All-G League First Team. Additionally, he took home the G League Rookie of the Year award as well.
The Pacers have plenty of intriguing players at the big man position
While Tshiebwe looked amazing in the G League, it became evident there was not a spot for him on the main roster. In addition to the obvious starting center Myles Turner (and Pascal Siakam who can play center as a secondary position), the Pacers have plenty of other big men who stand in Tshiebwe's way.
This offseason, the team added James Wiseman to a two-year, minimum contract. While Wiseman has not panned out in his four-year NBA career, there is still some intrigue in his game and he could play a big role this upcoming season.
Additionally, the Pacers will likely expect a bigger role out of former first-round pick Isaiah Jackson next season, especially after Jalen Smith left to join the Chicago Bulls.
Tshiebwe deserves a chance to compete for a spot in the NBA. Unfortunately, it seemed that it was not going to be with the Pacers in the near future.