In another notable move during what is shaping up to be a transformative offseason, Indiana Pacers President Kevin Pritchard announced Monday that the team will be bringing back James Wiseman for the upcoming 2025–26 NBA season. The 7-foot center will rejoin the roster to compete for minutes in the post, adding size and versatility to Indiana’s frontcourt rotation.
Pritchard made the announcement during an appearance on the team’s official offseason podcast, where he spoke about the franchise’s excitement around its young talent and strategic veteran additions.
“We like what James showed us late last season—his rebounding, rim protection, and energy gave us a real spark off the bench,” Pritchard said. “He’s still young, he’s still hungry, and we believe he can carve out a meaningful role for us next year.”
Wiseman, 24, originally joined the Pacers on a short-term deal midway through the 2024–25 season after stints with Golden State and Detroit. Though he saw limited action, he made an impression in several key matchups, including a 12-point, 11-rebound performance against the Miami Heat in March.
Once considered a high-ceiling prospect after being selected 2nd overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Wiseman’s early career was hampered by injuries and inconsistency. However, sources within the Pacers organization believe that under the guidance of returning Senior GM Larry Bird and the coaching staff led by Rick Carlisle, the former Memphis standout can finally unlock his potential.
“It’s a fresh start for him,” said assistant coach Jenny Boucek. “We’re going to put him in positions to succeed—defend the paint, run the floor, crash the glass. He doesn’t have to be a star, he just needs to be solid every night.”
With Myles Turner anchoring the center position and Isaiah Jackson developing into a reliable backup, Wiseman is expected to compete for third-string minutes or a hybrid power forward role in bigger lineups. His size and athleticism could also be valuable in matchups against larger Eastern Conference teams like the Bucks and Sixers.
Fans took to social media to voice cautious optimism, with one user tweeting: “Wiseman back? Low risk, high reward. #PacersWin”
As the Pacers gear up for a highly anticipated season with a revamped front office and a talented young core, bringing back Wiseman could prove to be a quietly smart move.
Indiana’s rebuild is over. The climb has begun.
