After a surprising run to the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers are poised to take the next step.
They have a strong group of players led by superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton, though he’s also gotten help from Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam.
Indiana also has a deep bench that is able to keep up the tempo on the floor, as well as head coach Rick Carlisle, who’s one of the best tacticians in the NBA today.
The Pacers are expected to compete in a loaded Eastern Conference that features the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks, though Indiana could still use an extra piece or two to boost its chances.
At this point of the offseason, there aren’t many impact players left on the market, though it seems that Indiana is taking a chance on Cole Swider, who had a strong Summer League stint.
“Free agent guard Cole Swider has agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Indiana Pacers, sources tell The Athletic and Stadium. Swider had an impressive Summer League for [the Miami] Heat, averaging 13.5 points and 49.1 percent 3-point shooting on nearly seven 3s attempted per game,” NBA insider Shams Charania reported.
Free agent G Cole Swider has agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Indiana Pacers, sources tell @ThAthletic @Stadium. Swider had an impressive Summer League for Heat, averaging 13.5 points and 49.1 percent 3-point shooting on nearly seven 3s attempted per game. pic.twitter.com/DkTUkGFN5c
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 3, 2024
Swider is a stretch-four who showed what he could do with an extended opportunity, and he now will have a chance to compete for a roster spot during training camp.
It’s hard to imagine that he makes the 15-man roster for the 2024-25 NBA season, though this is a smart gamble from Indiana, which could use more outside shooting.
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