Pacers Notes: Huff, Wiseman, Oladipo, Johnson, Haliburton

Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan confirmed on the "Setting The Pace" podcast that the team will utilize a "by committee" approach at the center position for the 2025/26 season following the departure of longtime starter Myles Turner to the division-rival Milwaukee Bucks.

The Pacers have re-signed Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman this month and acquired Jay Huff in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Veteran Tony Bradley is also part of the current mix, but his fully non-guaranteed contract means he may not make the regular season roster if Jackson and Wiseman fully recover from their Achilles injuries.

Buchanan explained the rationale behind acquiring Huff, noting the Pacers' analytics department had tracked the 27-year-old for some time, partly due to a standout playoff performance against Indiana's G League team years ago. He highlighted Huff's positive moments in Memphis this season: "Watching him in Memphis this year when he got his opportunity, he really shined... running the floor, finishing lobs, shooting threes, protecting the rim." While acknowledging Huff isn't perfect and has areas to improve, Buchanan emphasized Huff's basketball IQ and feel for the game as good fits for the Pacers' style, helping offset the loss of Turner.

Buchanan also spoke positively about the re-signed centers. He suggested Jackson's skill set will provide a different look for the Pacers' lineup. Regarding Wiseman, the former No. 2 overall pick, Buchanan stated the team remains as bullish on him as when they first signed him a year ago. He noted Wiseman is in "a great spot physically" and the team is "very encouraged with where his recovery is going," though Wiseman still needs to progress through playing in 5-on-5 games.