Indiana Pacers rookie wing Kendall Brown is a free agent this summer. The 48th overall pick in the 2022 NBA just finished his first season in the NBA, which he spent on a two-way contract with the blue and gold.
Two-way deals allow players time to develop in both the NBA and the G League. That's perfect for a player like Brown, who is extremely athletic but needs to improve some of his other skills. This was supposed to be a development season for the young wing.
Instead, Brown was injured for much of the campaign. He only played in six NBA games, averaging 1.5 points per game, and he suited up just 16 times for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the G League. While Brown did grow as a defender, he didn't get much court time.
He was dealing with a stress reaction turned stress fracture in his right tibia. That forced him to be a sponge this season. Instead of playing as much as he hoped, Brown observed others and learned from veterans.
Now, though, the 20-year old is a free agent, and Indiana has to decide if they want to bring him back. The team clearly liked him last year as they traded away assets to acquire Brown on draft night, and it appears his injury-filled rookie year hasn't changed those feelings.
"We still really feel good about Kendall Brown," Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard said at his end of season press conference. "He had a bad injury... but we really like him. Whether he's two-way or on the roster, I'm not sure yet."
Because he only has one year of experience in the NBA, Indiana could make Brown a restricted free agent this summer, meaning they would have the right of first refusal in free agency. In essence, if the Pacers want Brown back, they can ensure that they keep him.
Given Pritchard's comments, a reunion seems plausible. Brown is a good fit on a two-way deal for a young team like the Pacers.
"I'm just focused on getting better. I'm not really looking into that," Brown said of his own free agency as his exit interview with the media.
Brown averaged 10.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game for the Mad Ants this season. His speed and athleticism make him an appealing young piece, and if he could improve his jump shot or handle, he could be a rotation level player in the NBA. If the Pacers think Brown can grow into something more, then he could be back with the blue and gold next season.
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