The Pacers' rookie guard Kam Jones is facing an interesting scenario after not playing in Monday's game. By missing out, Jones won't hit the 41-game mark required to fully guarantee his 2026/27 salary.
Currently, his contract for next season stands at $2.15 million, with half of it guaranteed. If he stays on the roster through June 30, the rest of his salary will lock in.
This situation comes at a time when the Pacers might be navigating a packed roster. With 13 of their 15 players already under contract for next season, including 10 on fully guaranteed deals, and a 14th with a team option, Jones' future with the team could be uncertain, especially if they retain their top-four protected first-round pick.
In other Pacers news, head coach Rick Carlisle shed light on the injury woes of Ivica Zubac, whose season ended prematurely due to a fractured rib. Zubac sustained the injury during last Wednesday's game against Portland, and an MRI confirmed the fracture.
Carlisle empathized with Zubac’s discomfort, noting how everyday actions like breathing and coughing can aggravate rib injuries. Despite the setback, Carlisle is optimistic about Zubac’s full recovery, although it disrupts the team's plans to see their core group in action.
The Pacers finally broke their franchise-record 16-game losing streak on Monday, thanks in large part to Pascal Siakam’s stellar performance. Siakam, back from a knee sprain, dropped 37 points and made a crucial game-clinching block to secure the win against the Magic.
Throughout a challenging season, Siakam has been a bright spot, averaging 24 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 48.4% from the field. Carlisle praised Siakam’s effort, calling him a "great, great player."
Despite the victory, the Pacers remain focused on their draft lottery odds. With a 16-56 record, they maintain a three-game buffer over the fourth-worst team, Sacramento, at 19-53.
As the odds for a top-four pick are the same for the three worst teams (52.1%), Indiana's main concern is staying within that group to avoid losing their first-round pick if it falls between Nos. 5-9.