The Pacers' Point Guard Woes: A Tale of Depth and Strategy
The Indiana Pacers' quest for point guard depth took an unexpected turn when they waived veteran Cameron Payne just nine days after signing him. This move comes as a setback for the team, especially with All-Star Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the season due to an Achilles injury. The Pacers' season opener against the Thunder on Thursday promises to be a challenging match without a clear backup point guard in sight.
The story begins with the unfortunate injuries to T.J. McConnell and Delon Wright during the preseason. McConnell's hamstring strain and Wright's head injury forced the Pacers to act swiftly. They signed Payne, a 10-year NBA veteran, to fill the void. However, his short-lived stay raises questions about the team's strategy.
Payne's performance in three preseason games was underwhelming, averaging just 6.7 points with a poor shooting percentage. His seven assists and five turnovers didn't impress, and the Pacers' performance suffered, as evidenced by their -47 net rating in his 51 minutes of play. The decision to waive Payne suggests the team is exploring alternative options.
The Pacers now face a dilemma: who will be the backup point guard behind Andrew Nembhard? Rookie Taelon Peter, a two-way contract player, filled the role in the preseason game, but it's not his natural position. Quenton Jackson, another two-way contract player, is an option, but his own injury concerns add to the uncertainty. Rookie Kam Jones is out until November with a back issue, further complicating matters.
The Pacers have until Monday to finalize their roster, and they might consider signing a veteran point guard. They could also cut ties with some of their centers, including James Wiseman and Tony Bradley, who are on non-guaranteed contracts. The team's G League affiliate, the Noblesville Boom, provides an opportunity for players on Exhibit 10 contracts, like Gabe McGlothan and Jalen Slawson, who were waived after the preseason.
The Pacers' front office also made a strategic move by signing Kyle Guy and Ray Spalding to Exhibit 10 contracts, only to waive them promptly. This move ensures these players will join the Boom and earn bonuses, a potential strategy to address the point guard depth issue indirectly.
As the Pacers navigate this challenging situation, the question remains: who will step up to fill the void left by Haliburton's absence? The team's decision-making and strategic moves will be crucial in determining their success this season.
