With training camp less than two weeks away, the Indiana Pacers have the bulk of their roster set in stone. They kept most of last year's roster intact, with the only slightly major loss being backup center Jalen Smith, who joined the Chicago Bulls. Indiana did, however, sign former No. 2 pick James Wiseman to be his replacement.
Regardless, NBA teams are always keeping their eye on potential new talent who could contribute to the team now or down the line. Training camp is the perfect time for players who would typically be on the roster bubble or are looking for any NBA opportunity to showcase what they have. With their latest move, the Pacers are taking a flier on such a player.
According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Pacers have signed former UConn forward Tyler Polley to an Exhibit 10 contract. Per Begley, the Pacers, along with the New York Knicks, were one of the teams who recently attended Polley's Las Vegas workout through the RBA Showcase.
Former UConn Huskie Tyler Polley plans to sign an Exhibit 10 deal with the Indiana Pacers, per his agents BJ Bass & Cam Brennick. After two pro seasons in Greece, Polley recently competed in @rbashowcase workout in Las Vegas, where IND & NYK were among teams who watched him.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 20, 2024
Polley took to X to react to signing with the Pacers, saying he is "thankful for the opportunity."
God is the greatest! Thankful for the opportunity! Let’s work! @Pacers https://t.co/YpKwYwQ3yS
— Tyler Polley (@Tyler_polleyyy) September 20, 2024
Pacers sign Tyler Polley to a training camp contract
The Florida native spent five seasons with the UConn Huskies from 2017 to 2022. Throughout his collegiate career, Polley averaged 6.8 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. Furthermore, he shot 38.7% from the floor and 37.2% from the three-point line.
Polley spent the last two seasons of his professional career in the Greek Basketball League. Last season, he averaged 9.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game with Kolossos. Additionally, his efficiency improved drastically since his UConn days. Though he shot 34.7% from beyond the arc, Polley shot 44.2% from the field in 21 games last season.
The forward has some potential and could work his way toward a rotation spot in the future. However, as it currently stands, Polley likely will not receive any playing time with the Pacers next season. Due to the nature of the Exhibit 10 contract, it is highly likely the Pacers will waive Polley before the start of the regular season and keep him in the G League.
It is interesting, however, that multiple teams seemed to have interest in the 25-year-old based on Begley's post. While Polley is just another body for the Pacers to add ahead of training camp, it seems possible that they also snatched him up before a rival team could do it themselves.