Wiseman returns to the NBA! Pacers announce a 10-day short-term contract; available to play against the Pelicans today

On December 21st Beijing time, the Pacers officially revealed they utilized the hardship exception to sign center James Wiseman to a 10-day short contract. To make room for Wiseman, the Pacers ended McGlynn’s 10-day hardship contract only four days after it started.

Wiseman is cleared to participate in today's road game against the New Orleans Pelicans. About a week into the 2025-26 regular season, the Pacers’ backcourt suffered extensive injuries, which led to Wiseman being waived by the team. During this offseason, he had signed a two-year minimum contract with the Pacers that included a $1 million partial guarantee and a team option for the second year.

Selected as the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Wiseman’s career has been plagued by injuries. He missed the entire 2021-22 season after undergoing knee surgery; in the 2024 regular season opener for the Pacers in October, the 24-year-old suffered a torn Achilles tendon, causing him to miss all remaining games of the 2024-25 season.

Throughout his career, Wiseman has played for the Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, and Indiana Pacers, appearing in a total of 149 games with averages of 18.9 minutes, 9.1 points, and 5.6 rebounds per game.

According to team reporter East, despite the Pacers facing numerous injuries at the start of the 2025-26 season, their three centers—Jai Huff, Isaiah Jackson, and Tony Bradley—had all maintained full attendance. However, this may change on Sunday as Bradley was diagnosed with a fractured right thumb, making his status for the Pelicans game "questionable." East noted that Wiseman’s return might indicate Bradley will be sidelined for a period due to injury.