Quick Read
- Pacers signed Micah Potter from the Austin Spurs on a non-guaranteed contract to address center injuries.
- Garrison Mathews was waived to make roster space; Tony Bradley and Isaiah Jackson are both injured.
- Potter brings floor spacing and versatility but is unlikely to have a major role; he averaged 15.6 points and 9.7 rebounds in the G League this season.
In a season marked by turbulence and injuries, the Indiana Pacers have made another strategic move to reinforce their roster: signing center Micah Potter from the Austin Spurs of the G League. As confirmed by IndyStar and 8 Points, 9 Seconds, Potter joins the Pacers on a non-guaranteed, one-plus-one contract that covers the remainder of the 2025-26 season with a team option for next year. To make space, the Pacers waived sharpshooter Garrison Mathews, underscoring the franchise’s urgent need for frontcourt depth.
The Pacers’ center rotation has been battered by injuries. Isaiah Jackson entered concussion protocol after a collision with Boston’s Neemias Queta, and Tony Bradley is battling a fractured right thumb. Meanwhile, James Wiseman’s 10-day hardship contract expired, leaving the Pacers without a hardship exception for now. With a record of 6-24, the team has cycled through nine players on non-guaranteed, 10-day, or two-way contracts since the season began, trying to patch together a functional lineup as injuries keep mounting.
Potter, 27, has spent this season with the Austin Spurs, posting impressive numbers: 15.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. He shot 47.6% from the field, 36.5% from three-point range, and 81.3% from the free throw line—figures that reflect a versatile, modern big man. Potter’s professional journey includes 64 NBA games, mostly with the Utah Jazz, and a brief stint with the Detroit Pistons. Last season, he averaged 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds on a two-way deal with the Jazz, demonstrating competence as a rotational big.
Potter’s résumé extends to the international stage. He was selected for Team USA’s Select team for the 2024 Olympics and remained with the squad for exhibition matches, further burnishing his credentials. In 146 career G League games, he’s averaged 15.5 points and 9.2 rebounds—a consistent contributor at that level.
So, what exactly does Potter bring to Indiana? At 6-foot-11 and 250 pounds, he adds size and flexibility. Potter is regarded as a solid floor spacer, hitting a career 34.4% from deep at the NBA level and an impressive 40.8% in his last two collegiate years at Wisconsin. His ability to play both power forward and center gives the Pacers options, though he’ll likely slot in as a center given the current roster needs.
Despite his strengths, Potter faces challenges. He struggles with consistency—a trait that may be linked to limited opportunities rather than a lack of skill. His defensive impact is mostly confined to the paint, offering little versatility on that end. For now, he’s not expected to carve out a major role, but his presence provides crucial insurance as the Pacers weather a difficult campaign.
Garrison Mathews, the casualty of this roster shuffle, averaged 5.2 points in 15 games for Indiana after joining on successive hardship contracts. He improved his shooting in his second stint, making 17 of 46 three-point attempts. Yet, as injuries forced the Pacers to prioritize size, Mathews became the sixth player waived by the team since opening day.
Other injuries continue to shape the Pacers’ fortunes: All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season with an Achilles tear, and forward Obi Toppin is sidelined until at least February with a stress fracture. Wings Aaron Nesmith and Ben Sheppard, along with Jackson, were all ruled out for the recent Celtics matchup. The team’s hardship exception eligibility may be ending soon, hinting at the possible return of Nesmith or Sheppard within the next two weeks.
Potter’s signing is emblematic of the Pacers’ season: a constant shuffle, searching for stability in the midst of adversity. For Potter, it’s another chance to prove his mettle at the NBA level, and for Indiana, it’s a necessary gamble to keep their frontcourt afloat.
The Pacers’ decision to sign Micah Potter reflects both necessity and opportunity. While Potter may not be a game-changer, his presence as a floor-spacing, versatile big man fills a critical void caused by injuries. The move highlights the relentless churn of NBA rosters in challenging seasons, where teams must balance short-term needs against long-term potential. For Potter, this is more than a stopgap—it’s a chance to stake his claim in the league, if only for a handful of games. Sources: IndyStar, 8 Points 9 Seconds