​INDIANAPOLIS — The Pacers have bolstered their frontcourt depth and filled their final open standard contract by signing forward/center Larry Nance Jr. to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum, roughly $4 million, a move confirmed by league sources to the IndyStar on Wednesday. The report was first broken by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Nance, 33, brings a decade-plus of NBA experience, having spent 11 seasons with five different franchises. Over his career, he has posted averages of 7.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, contributing as a versatile frontcourt option who can stretch the floor and provide interior presence. In the 2023-24 season, he appeared in 35 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers, coming off the bench and averaging 12.8 minutes per contest, while putting up 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. His contribution off the bench last season underscored his role as a reliable veteran depth piece who can log minutes at both power forward and center, and his knowledge of the league’s nuances could be valuable for a Pacers squad seeking stability and versatility in the frontcourt.
The addition of Nance complements the Pacers’ earlier move to sign Kelly Oubre Jr. on the same day. Together, these two signings reposition Indiana’s depth behind their starting frontcourt and provide a broader array of lineups for various opponents. Nance’s ability to guard multiple positions and crash the boards could help plug potential gaps in the rotation, especially in smaller-ball lineups or matchups that require extra physicality inside.
Financially, the Nance signing, when paired with Oubre’s deal, places the Pacers very close to the first luxury tax apron. This marks a notable financial commitment by Indiana as they reshuffle their depth chart to enhance productivity and consistency across the rotation. For a franchise looking to balance development with competitive ambition, securing a veteran presence like Nance adds a layer of experienced leadership and a trustworthy option in crunch time.
From a broader team-building perspective, Nance’s veteran savvy could ease the learning curve for younger players while providing a model of professionalism and adaptability. His experience navigating the pressures of a long NBA season and his willingness to contribute in a role that may involve reduced minutes could foster a steadying influence within the locker room. The Pacers’ frontcourt, now featuring Nance alongside established players and promising youngsters, should benefit from a more diverse skill set, including shot-making ability, rebounding tenacity, and some rim protection.
In terms of on-court impact, Nance’s presence offers Indiana a multifaceted tool. He can serve as a floor-spacing option for pick-and-roll action, spaced shooting threat in the mid-range, and a reliable pick-and-pop target, while also providing tenacious rebounding and interior defense. His experience playing within varied offensive schemes and defensive schemes across multiple teams should help the Pacers implement flexible lineups that adapt to different opponents and game situations.
The signing also signals the Pacers’ intent to maintain a competitive, resilient roster capable of sustaining momentum through the regular season and into the playoffs. With Nance and Oubre now in the fold, Indiana adds veteran poise, scoring versatility, and rebounding energy to a lineup that is looking to optimize its depth and chemistry. The combination of these acquisitions could yield a balanced rotation that keeps the team competitive across a demanding schedule, while also offering coaching staff additional strategic options for matching up against a wide range of opponents.
This article originally appeared on the Indianapolis Star and has been updated to reflect the Pacers’ latest moves, including the addition of Larry Nance Jr. to the roster and the financial considerations tied to reaching the luxury tax threshold. As Indiana continues to fine-tune its frontcourt and overall depth, fans can anticipate a season where the Pacers are better equipped to handle injuries, fatigue, and the demands of a competitive Eastern Conference landscape.