Pacers Face Criticism for Head-Scratching Free Agency Move

Evan MasseySun, July 19, 2026 at 5:54 AM UTC·2 min read

Heading into the 2026 NBA offseason, no one knew exactly what to expect from the Indiana Pacers. There had been hints from Kevin Pritchard about the team being aggressive, but fans did not end up seeing that approach.

Instead, the Pacers decided to basically run it back with their core from two years ago. That same core led Indiana to the NBA Finals and took the Oklahoma City Thunder to Game 7 before star point guard Tyrese Haliburton went down with a torn Achilles.

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While the Pacers did not make many moves this offseason, they were able to sign veteran wing Kelly Oubre Jr. That move could be a big-time pickup.

A second move was made in free agency as well. Indiana signed veteran big man Larry Nance Jr. to a one-year, $4 million contract. In a corresponding move, the team decided to waive Micah Potter, who was a major bright spot last season.

Sports Illustrated's Alex Golden has offered some subtle criticism for the Pacers' decision to sign Nance and waive Potter.

"I understand the financial reasoning, and I understand why the front office trusts Nance more than Potter. But from an on-court perspective, I would have preferred they target soneone capable of legitimately competing for the backup center role," Golden wrote. "That's why this lands at a C+. The salary savings and locker room boost prevent it from being a lower grade, but I wasn't overally excited about the basketball fit."

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Golden also noted what Potter and Nance bring to the floor.

"Potter provides more floor spacing and outside shooting, while Nance brings significantly more NBA experience, stronger defensive instincts, and better playmaking in the frontcourt."

Potter put together a strong year in his first season with Indiana. He played in 47 games and made seven starts, averaging 9.7 points per game to go along with five rebounds and 1.5 assists. He also shot 51.5 percent from the floor and knocked down 42.3 percent of his three-point attempts.

Nance, on the other hand, barely played with the Cleveland Cavaliers a year ago. He appeared in 35 games and made three starts, averaging just 12.8 minutes per game. The 33-year-old veteran chipped in 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.

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Only time will tell whether or not the Pacers made the right decision. Potter was quickly claimed by the Portland Trail Blazers and will have a chance to earn a role with his new taem.

Hopefully, Nance is able to accomplish the role he's asked to handle for Indiana.