Pacers Intend To Bring Back Former No. 2 Pick James Wiseman

Myles Turner is gone. James Wiseman may be the next man up for the Indiana Pacers.

Per Tony East of SI.com, head of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard said the Pacers intend to sign Wiseman, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Wiseman actually signed a multi-year deal with Indiana before the start of last season, but played in just one game before rupturing his Achilles. He was traded to the Toronto Raptors in February and immediately waived.

Wiseman previously served stints with the Golden State Warriors, who drafted him, as well as the Detroit Pistons. He carries career averages of 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds, along with 56.0% shooting, in 148 career games. He also missed all of the 2021-22 season with an injury while with the Warriors.

In other words, it’s actually a long shot that Wiseman is able to replace Turner as the starting center, but until the Pacers find a long-term solution, Wiseman will almost certainly get a shot (when healthy).

Turner somewhat shockingly left for the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency, creating a giant void in the middle for Indiana. As of today, the only centers on the roster are returning free agent Tony Bradley and recent trade acquisition Jay Huff. At worst, Wiseman will add another body to the rotation.

Pritchard also confirmed that star point guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss all of next season after suffering a torn Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.