Report: Visa issue could prevent Pacers from signing Gal Mekel
The Indiana Pacers might not be able to sign guard Gal Mekel because of a delay in obtaining a visa, ESPN's Marc Stein reports.
Mekel, who was released by the Dallas Mavericks last month, was slated to sign with the team on Thursday, but Stein reports he might not receive a new visa until Friday. The delay is significant because the Pacers have a Thursday deadline to sign a player after being granted a hardship to sign a 16th player after a string of injuries to start the season.
Mekel, a 26-year-old Israeli guard, averaged 2.4 points and 2.0 assists in 31 games last season as a rookie with the Mavericks. Stein reports the Pacers flew Mekel to Boston intending to sign him on Thursday, but those plans are now uncertain.
• Warriors' David Lee set for MRI on injured hamstring
Indiana has been hit hard by injuries this season. All-Star Paul George is expected to miss the entire season after breaking his leg during a Team USA exhibition in August.
Power forward David West sprained his ankle during a preseason game and has not played this season. He is expected to be out until at least early next week.
Point guard George Hill injured his left knee during the preseason, and coach Frank Vogel said he "is a long ways away" from returning, The Indianapolis Star's Autumn Allison reports.
• Cavaliers' Matthew Dellavedova out up to six weeks with MCL sprain
Backup point guard C.J. Watson has not played this season after injuring his foot during the preseason.
The Pacers have started the season 1-4 and play the Celtics tomorrow.
- Paul Palladino
