The Indiana Pacers have made a roster adjustment due to ongoing injuries at the center position, signing center Micah Potter to a non-guaranteed contract while waiving guard Garrison Mathews. This move comes as the Pacers navigate a season marked by injuries, including a recent concussion suffered by Isaiah Jackson and a fractured right thumb affecting Tony Bradley.
Potter, previously with the Austin Spurs in the G League, has showcased impressive stats, averaging 15.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, and displaying accuracy with a shooting percentage of 47.6% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc. Notably, he was part of the Team USA Select team for the 2024 Olympics, indicating his potential and capability on a bigger stage. His contract with the Pacers is a one-plus-one deal, giving the team a future option for next season.
In contrast, Mathews, who joined the Pacers after initially signing a 10-day hardship contract, averaged 5.2 points per game over 15 appearances. After a challenging start, he improved his performance but ultimately became a casualty of the team’s roster adjustments as they adapt to a series of injuries that have required them to shift personnel frequently. Mathews became the sixth player waived since the season started, as the team continues to cope with the loss of several key players, including All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the season due to an Achilles tendon tear.
As the Pacers’ struggles continue, having met the threshold for the NBA’s hardship exception rules since early in the season, there’s an indication of hope with the potential return of players like Aaron Nesmith and Ben Sheppard in the near future. Despite the current challenges, the team’s commitment to maintaining competitive depth through acquisitions like Potter reveals a proactive approach to ensuring resilience throughout the season.