The Indiana Pacers are making moves in the frontcourt, officially signing center Micah Potter and waiving guard Garrison Mathews while releasing James Wiseman. The details of Potter’s deal haven’t been made public, but he’s eligible to suit up right away - possibly even tonight against the Boston Celtics.
For Indiana, this isn’t just a depth move. With the team needing more size and presence in the paint, Potter could find himself thrown into the mix quickly.
His signing comes on the heels of Wiseman’s release - a decision that sparked mixed reactions. Some Pacers fans were frustrated by the move, but for Wisconsin basketball faithful, Potter's NBA return is a feel-good moment.
A Long Road Back to the League
This isn’t Micah Potter’s first taste of the NBA. The former Wisconsin Badger has been grinding for years, trying to carve out a consistent role at the highest level.
After going undrafted, Potter first caught on with the Miami Heat, but never cracked the NBA roster. Instead, he spent time developing in the G League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, showing flashes of the potential that made him a standout in college.
It was the Utah Jazz who eventually gave Potter his first real NBA opportunity. He signed a two-way contract and made the most of it, appearing in 38 games during the 2024 season and starting 10 of them. That stint gave him valuable experience and a chance to prove he could contribute in a rotation role.
This past offseason, Potter was with the G League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs before landing this new opportunity in Indiana. For a player like Potter, who’s spent years bouncing between contracts and cities, every chance matters - and this one could be his most important yet.
From Columbus to Madison to the NBA
Potter’s basketball journey has been anything but linear. He started his college career at Ohio State before transferring to Wisconsin, where he truly found his stride.
In Madison, he became a key piece for the Badgers, earning a spot on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List in 2021. During his senior season, he averaged 12.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, shooting over 50% from the field - numbers that showed his efficiency and versatility as a big man.
Potter may not have had the traditional path to the NBA, but he’s earned every shot he’s gotten. He’s a stretch big who can knock down mid-range jumpers, rebound at a solid clip, and provide some rim protection. For a Pacers team looking to reinforce its interior rotation, especially after moving on from Wiseman, he brings a different kind of skill set.
What This Means for the Pacers
Indiana is clearly looking for the right mix in the frontcourt. The release of Wiseman signals a shift - perhaps a desire for a more versatile or system-friendly big.
Potter’s not a flashy name, but he’s a hard worker with a high basketball IQ and a willingness to do the little things. That might be exactly what the Pacers need right now.
Whether he becomes a regular in the rotation or simply provides depth, Potter’s signing is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NBA. One day you’re working through G League minutes, the next you’re suiting up against the Celtics.
For now, Potter’s back in the league - and with Indiana’s frontcourt in flux, he might just have a real shot to stick.