8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

Pacers sign former top-3 draft pick to training camp contract

By Elie Deglaoui

Mar 12, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle watches his team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mar 12, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle watches his team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The Indiana Pacers have already made some changes to their training camp roster over the last few days, but it seems they are not done just yet. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Pacers have signed big man Jahlil Okafor to a training camp deal. Indiana acquired Okafor just a few days ago as part of a G League trade with the Valley Suns.

Initially selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2015 draft, the Duke alum's NBA career has not panned out. Though he had a fantastic rookie season, averaging 17.5 points and finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting, Okafor slowly fizzled out of the league. This is in large part due to his skillset not fully translating to the modern NBA.

The Chicago native last played in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons during the 2020-21 season. During that campaign, Okafor averaged 5.4 points and 2.4 rebounds in 27 games, which included two starts for the team.

In addition to the 76ers and Pistons, Okafor has also played for the Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans.

Pacers sign Jahlil Okafor to a training camp contract

Since 2022, Okafor has taken his talents overseas. In February, he signed with Capitanes de Arecibo, a team based in Puerto Rico. However, following his new contract, it seems that the 28-year-old is eying an NBA comeback.

For both sides, this is a smart move. Ultimately, it is unlikely Okafor will make the Pacers' roster this season, but we know he can provide solid minutes on an NBA court. Furthermore, though not to the same extent as current Pacers big man James Wiseman, Okafor is a player who could be classified as a draft bust. If any team can revive his playing career, it is the Pacers.

Additionally, it is no secret that the Pacers are in need of center depth. Outside of Myles Turner, who will hit unrestricted free agency next summer, the Pacers do not have a reliable big man option. Isaiah Jackson and Wiseman both have potential, but that is the extent of it up to this point.

Okafor is a low-risk, high-reward signing as the Pacers approach training camp, which is set to begin on October 1. If Okafor can show even a glimpse of the player he was at Duke, this could prove to be a steal of a signing for Indiana.

feed

Home/Pacers News