The Indiana Pacers came into free agency with a very clear goal in mind. If all else failed, they wanted to bring in a solid backup wing. After trading Bennedict Mathurin, they needed a wing whom they could count on, preferably a veteran.
Jarace Walker could also step into that spot, but he is still young. Indiana made it clear that they wanted to bring a veteran player in. However, they had limited cap space in order to do that. Now, they have found the right guy, as they have signed Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre Jr. will now play in Indiana for the next two seasons.
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. dribbles the ball in a game. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Pacers Sign Kelly Oubre Jr. to a Two-Year Deal
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Pacers have inked Oubre Jr. to a two-year deal worth $17 million. Now, they have the veteran wing that they desperately wanted to add. Oubre Jr. played the last three seasons with the 76ers, splitting time between starting and coming off the bench.
This past season, Oubre Jr. averaged 14.1 points, five rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He also shot 36 percent from beyond the 3-point line in mostly a starting role. With this team, he will slot right behind Aaron Nesmith at the wing spot. He will get minutes over Walker.
Oubre Jr. becomes the first player that Indiana has signed in free agency. He will likely be the only semi-large name that they bring in. Most of their roster is filled, as is their cap space. That was the one massive issue they needed to fix, and they have now done that.
Not only is Oubre Jr. a solid backup, but he’s still good enough to start if Nesmith gets hurt. The Pacers were crushed by injuries last year, so it’s never bad to have some players who can fill the void if injuries strike again. Oubre Jr. is a solid defender, as well.
GettyIndiana Pacers center Jay Huff shoots the ball in a game. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Indiana Might Address One Other Spot in Free Agency
The only other spot that Indiana might address in free agency is backup center. Right now, that belongs to Jay Huff. Indiana only has one more roster spot open, so that could be where they go. With this signing, the Pacers have filled up the core of their roster.
Even before they signed Oubre Jr., the Pacers thought they were title contenders for next season. After having the third-worst offense in the league last season, they should be much better with Tyrese Haliburton returning fully healthy.
Adding Ivica Zubac during the trade deadline looks a lot smarter now that the prices of other centers are so much higher. He was the last piece that they needed to add to the starting lineup. With the team they have now, Indiana is hoping to make another run at the NBA Finals next year.
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