The Indiana Pacers have secured a short-term deal with Jahlil Okafor, an announcement confirmed by the NBA team. The former No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft is now officially tied to the Pacers with a 10-day contract.
The specific details of the contract have not been disclosed as per NBA policy, however, it is known that it is traditionally based on a prorated portion of the minimum veteran salary. Okafor, a center with a career average of 10.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, is touted for his offensive abilities although his career has seen some significant setbacks due to injuries.
Before this, Okafor was with the Detroit Pistons for the 2020-21 season where he averaged 5.4 points and 2.4 rebounds over 27 games. His playing time took a hit, primarily due to the meteoric rise of Pistons’ young center, Isaiah Stewart. Afterwards, he was let go by the Pistons in a buyout agreement earlier this February, leading him to be an unrestricted free agent.
The addition of Jahlil Okafor gives the Pacers an option at center while their big man, Myles Turner, continues to recuperate from a stress reaction in his left foot. Okafor’s signing also comes during the Pacers’ rebuilding phase, with Indiana having traded away Caris LeVert and Domantas Sabonis earlier this season.
Okafor, a Duke University product who was named the ACC Player of the Year and earned a unanimous All-American honor in his only college season, has journeyed through different teams in the NBA since being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2015. He has now found an opportunity to prove his worth and demonstrate his skills with the Indiana Pacers.
Last modified: February 12, 2025
