Indiana Pacers sign pair of guards to two-way contracts, including 2x NCAA champion

Just days after extending Andrew Nembhard's contract and re-signing James Johnson, the Indiana Pacers are not done making moves just yet.

According to the team's X account, the Pacers have signed guards Quenton Jackson and Tristen Newton to two-way contracts. With these moves, the Pacers have just one two-way contract remaining.

Pacers fans should already be familiar with Jackson as he spent part of the 2023-24 season with the team on a two-way contract. The California native played in five Summer League games for Indiana this year, starting three of them. In those games, he averaged 11 points, on 62.5% shooting, including a 45.5% mark from beyond the arc. Additionally, he averaged 2.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

As for Newton, the Pacers selected him with the No. 49 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Even though he was a second-round pick, the UConn alum had a successful collegiate career. Newton won two championships with UConn in 2023 and 2024 and was named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player this year.

Newton also played in all five Summer League games like Jackson did, but his performance was a bit underwhelming. In those games, which included three starts, Newton averaged 9 points while shooting 20% from the field. This includes his 18.2 3FG%. Furthermore, the Texas native averaged 3.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Despite Newton's poor performance, he left a positive impact on the team and showed promise. Summer League head coach and former NBA player Jannero Pargo spoke about Newton's potential and development.

"Tristen Newton, tremendous from game one to game five. Understanding our offense more, playing more confident, being able to call plays and run our sets and be comfortable out there," said Pargo.

The Pacers could sign Enrique Freeman to the last two-way contract

Indiana drafted Enrique Freeman with the No. 50 pick in this year's draft. Though his Summer League stats were not too jaw-dropping, averaging 8.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block per game, his performance was still impressive.

Freeman's energy and attitude made him a joy to watch in the Summer League. Ben Sheppard, who played alongside Freeman for a few games, spoke about the rookie and said "he has a bright future."

"Definitely. I'd probably say a little bit more. The energy that he brings, you've all seen it in these two games. It's unbelievable. His motor is great. He has a bright future and he's a great kid, everyone loves having him around," said Sheppard.

With the Pacers having one two-way contract available, Freeman is certainly a name to monitor as a candidate to earn the spot.