Early in this year's offseason, the Indiana Pacers signed big man James Wiseman to a two-year contract. Wiseman most recently spent time with the Detroit Pistons but is perhaps best known for his time with the Golden State Warriors. who drafted him second overall in 2020.
Wiseman has not lived up to expectations as he prepares for his fourth season in the NBA. However, he has an opportunity to revive his career with the Pacers, who have developed a reputation for finding hidden talent and getting the most out of their players' skillsets. Furthermore, Wiseman's signing also has a chance to benefit the Pacers as well.
The Pacers need more depth at center, and bringing in someone like Wiseman is a low-risk, high-reward move. As long as Myles Turner is on the team, Wiseman realistically will not compete for a starting job in Indiana, but he has the opportunity to become a primary backup.
As the Pacers prepare for training camp, which will start on October 1, the 23-year-old is someone to keep an eye on. However, after head coach Rick Carlisle shed some light on Wiseman's injury, it may take a little bit longer to see what he can truly do in a Pacers uniform.
Rick Carlisle reveals James Wiseman's groin injury will limit him during training camp
According to SI.com's Tony East, Carlisle said during a media day appearance that Wiseman has "a groin issue." Additionally, his injury will keep him limited during training camp.
Wiseman does, however, have a groin issue that will limit him early in training camp, Carlisle adds. https://t.co/EqBJDW1Q3w
— Tony East (@TonyREast) September 30, 2024
Given that training camp is just one day away, it is unclear what type of impact this will have on Wiseman once they reach the start of the regular season. However, for now, it seems that the Pacers will play it safe and not risk further injury for the Tennessee native.
Wiseman has had a disappointing NBA career up to this point, but there are a lot of reasons to be excited about him with the Pacers. He is very athletic, and at 7'0" tall, his size will always be a helpful tool in the league. Additionally, the Memphis alum can help the Pacers improve in a major area--their rebounding.
Last season, the Pacers averaged 41.5 rebounds per game. This was the third-worst mark, only ahead of the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards. With the addition of Wiseman, the Pacers should receive a major boost in the rebounding area, which should make them a better team overall.
Fortunately, it does not seem that Wiseman's injury is too serious. If he can contribute immediately and be even a fraction of the player he was heading into the NBA, the Pacers may have gotten one of the biggest steals of this year's free agency class.