The Indiana Pacers have failed to build on their NBA Finals appearance, stumbling to a dismal 2025-26 season so far. While the 6-21 start is not entirely shocking given the absence of star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, there is one glaring weakness on the roster that could carry over into next year. The Pacers are now looking to address that flaw by adding a former NBA champion.
Pacers Sign Former NBA Champion to Their Frontcourt
The defending Eastern Conference champions were always facing an uphill battle this season without their star point guard. However, Myles Turner’s departure to the Milwaukee Bucks left the franchise with a major question mark at center.
Turner anchored the Pacers’ interior for a decade and was one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors during that stretch. Indiana has predictably struggled to replace him, with journeyman Jay Huff manning the middle over the past few weeks.
Looking to add depth, the front office has decided to re-sign center James Wiseman to a 10-day hardship contract. This exception applies to teams dealing with multiple long-term injuries, which the Pacers currently have with Haliburton, Ben Sheppard, Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, and Tony Bradley. In a corresponding move, the Pacers also announced the release of forward Gabe McGlothan from his 10-day contract.
We have signed center James Wiseman to a 10-day contract.
In a subsequent move, we have released forward Gabe McGlothan from his 10-day contract.
Learn more: https://t.co/68RKT2tgwH pic.twitter.com/1SjSO4GV9O
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 20, 2025
James Wiseman Is Already Familiar With the Pacers’ System
Wiseman, who won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors, previously signed a two-year deal with the Pacers in the summer of 2024 but appeared in only one game due to a torn Achilles tendon. The former No. 2 overall pick was then traded to the Toronto Raptors last February before re-signing with Indiana in July.
That second stint in the Hoosier State also ended early, as Wiseman was waived in late October to open a roster spot for combo guard Mac McClung. While the 24-year-old’s career has been turbulent, he is now back with Rick Carlisle’s team and has already delivered a highlight-reel dunk in his return.
“Give me the bucket!”
T.J. McConnell forces the turnover and James Wiseman takes flight in transition 🚀 pic.twitter.com/Yg3AtXYk2f
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 21, 2025
Overall, the struggling franchise is hoping the third time proves to be the charm for its still-young center. Wiseman is unlikely to be the Pacers’ long-term answer at the five, but he now has another opportunity to show he can still be a valuable role player in the league.
