The Indiana Pacers are facing a significant challenge as they navigate the aftermath of Myles Turner’s departure to the Milwaukee Bucks. In a bid to bolster their center rotation, the team has signed free agent James Wiseman, who is returning for a second stint after a torn Achilles limited his previous season to just five minutes. Wiseman, the former second overall pick, averaged 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds during his last full season with the Pistons and is seen as a project by the Pacers. Coach Rick Carlisle previously expressed enthusiasm for Wiseman's potential, noting that he brings qualities fans will appreciate.

The Pacers' center depth now includes Tony Bradley, Jay Huff, and Isaiah Jackson, alongside last year's second-round pick Enrique Freeman. While this new roster lacks established starters, it boasts considerable depth, allowing the franchise to remain competitive. The management is betting on Wiseman's development, hoping this would be the turning point for the player often regarded as a draft bust. The Pacers are keen on revitalizing Wiseman's career, positioning him as a crucial asset in their upcoming season.

James Wiseman, the former Memphis basketball standout, is set to rejoin the Indiana Pacers after a challenging stint marked by injury and a trade. Initially signing with the Pacers in July 2024, Wiseman faced a setback when he tore his Achilles during the season opener, ending his year prematurely. Following a trade to the Toronto Raptors and subsequent release, he returns to Indiana, where he hopes to revitalize his career.

Wiseman, who was the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, had a lackluster start with the Golden State Warriors before being traded to the Detroit Pistons. His performance with the Pistons showed promise, averaging 7.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in a career-high 65 games. The Pacers are hopeful that his return from injury will bolster their roster and provide a much-needed boost in the frontcourt.

The Indiana Pacers have had a troubling free agency, most notably losing starting center Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks. After a decade with the Pacers, Turner's departure leaves the team with Tony Bradley and Isaiah Jackson as their only center options. Bradley had limited contributions last season, while Jackson is returning from an Achilles injury. With Tyrese Haliburton also sidelined due to an Achilles tear, the Pacers are looking to focus on internal growth.

One player they have their eye on is James Wiseman, out for the previous season due to injury but now back in Indiana. The Pacers are optimistic about Wiseman's potential, given Carlisle's previous praise for him. With the team's current trajectory, they seem resigned to a rebuilding phase, but Wiseman may provide a much-needed boost to their roster.

The Golden State Warriors' selection of James Wiseman in the 2020 NBA Draft is now viewed as a major misstep, especially given the talent they bypassed like LaMelo Ball and Tyrese Haliburton. While Wiseman was once seen as a cornerstone for the Warriors' dual-timeline strategy alongside stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, his lack of development and effort led to his eventual release from the team. After stints with the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, Wiseman suffered a torn Achilles just minutes into his first game with the Pacers, sidelining him for the season.

Despite his struggles, Wiseman's history includes a championship ring from the Warriors' 2022 title run, even though he did not play that season. As the Pacers advance to the NBA Finals, Wiseman could become the first player from the 2020 draft class to win two titles, which would be a bittersweet achievement considering his rocky journey in the league. His recent performance against the Detroit Pistons, scoring six points in just five minutes before his injury, highlighted the potential that remains largely unfulfilled.