Pacers Bring Back James Wiseman on 10-Day Deal as Center Rotation Evolves

James Wiseman’s NBA career has rarely followed a straight path, and the past year has been particularly uneven. Injuries and limited opportunities have kept him off the floor, with the former top draft pick appearing in just two games since the start of 2024. For a player still trying to carve out consistency, every chance matters.

On Saturday, Wiseman received another such opportunity when the Indiana Pacers brought him back into the fold. The team announced it had signed the fifth-year center to a 10-day contract, a short-term move that nonetheless carries meaningful implications for both player and franchise.

To make room, Indiana released forward Gabe McGlothan, who was also on a 10-day deal. The transaction reflects the Pacers’ ongoing effort to balance immediate depth needs with a longer-term evaluation of their roster, particularly in the frontcourt.

For Wiseman, the return to Indiana represents a familiar setting and a chance to prove he can still contribute at the NBA level. For the Pacers, it’s a low-risk move that could provide insight as they continue to assess their options at center.

1. A Familiar Stop in Indiana

Wiseman’s reunion with the Pacers is not entirely new territory. Earlier this season, he briefly appeared for Indiana, making a spot start in a 128–103 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on October 25. While the result was lopsided, the appearance offered a glimpse of how the team might use him. That outing, however, stands as one of the few times Wiseman has seen game action in recent months. His last meaningful minutes with Indiana came during the 2024–25 campaign, when he worked off the bench in a limited role. At just 24 years old, Wiseman remains relatively young by NBA standards, but his experience has been fragmented. Stops with multiple teams and recurring injuries have prevented him from finding rhythm or stability. Indiana’s familiarity with Wiseman may work in his favor. The coaching staff already has a baseline understanding of his skill set, making this 10-day stretch less about introductions and more about execution.

2. A Short Window With Bigger Stakes

A 10-day contract offers little margin for error. For Wiseman, each practice and game appearance will be closely evaluated as he looks to show progress, durability, and fit within the Pacers’ system. The stakes are heightened by the broader context of Indiana’s roster planning. While the team has managed with Jay Huff and Isaiah Jackson handling most of the center minutes, there has been ongoing speculation that the Pacers are exploring upgrades at the position. Wiseman’s performance during this stint could influence how aggressively the team pursues outside options. A strong showing might earn him a longer look, while struggles could accelerate Indiana’s search elsewhere. For the Pacers, the appeal is flexibility. A 10-day deal allows them to evaluate Wiseman without a long-term commitment, preserving roster and salary cap options as the season progresses.

3. Indiana’s Frontcourt Picture

At present, Indiana’s center rotation is built more on functionality than star power. Huff and Jackson have provided energy and rim protection, but the team continues to evaluate whether the position needs reinforcement for the long haul. Wiseman, with his size and pedigree, represents a different type of option. His physical tools remain intriguing, even if his on-court production has yet to consistently match early expectations. The Pacers’ decision to cycle through short-term contracts underscores their willingness to experiment. By bringing Wiseman back, they add another data point in determining what kind of center best complements their roster. Ultimately, Indiana’s frontcourt remains a work in progress. Whether Wiseman becomes part of that future depends largely on what he can show in a very limited timeframe.