Bruce Brown leaving imprint on Toronto Raptors just like he did with Indiana Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS — Bruce Brown spent a short amount of time with the Indiana Pacers, but it was impactful. The 27-year old guard brought a defensive mindset and championship pedigree to the Pacers on top of his quality play, and younger players looked to him for advice or mentality suggestions.
On the court, Brown gave Indiana a boost by being able to wear many hats. His versatility stood out from day one — the Miami product toggled between important wing defender, primary ball handler, secondary creator, and play finisher. Oftentimes, those roles overlapped yet would change throughout a game. For a Pacers team that had not taken shape yet when the season started, that was useful.
"You just figure it out," Brown said earlier in the season when asked about filling many roles. "And I know if I'm out there with T.J. [McConnell] or Drew [Nembhard], they can run the one. I think the guard positions are interchangeable."
For the blue and gold this season, Brown averaged 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field in 33 games. He started in every game he played, but his Pacers tenure ended in January after a short stint with the franchise. Brown was a part of the trade with the Toronto Raptors that netted Indiana All-Star forward Pascal Siakam.
"I think Bruce prides himself on being a guy who is resourceful and can adjust to virtually any NBA situation," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of Brown. He hit the ground running with Toronto thanks to that malleability, averaging 11.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in his first six outings with the franchise.
Late last month, Brown returned to Indianapolis as a visitor for the first time since the deal. The Raptors and Pacers played previously in Toronto, where Siakam received a warm welcome back to his first franchise, but the second meeting between the two teams brought Brown (and fellow traded player Jordan Nwora) back to the Circle City.
Brown caught up with multiple current Pacers staffers and players before the game. He had a lengthy conversation with assistant coach Jenny Boucek just before his pregame warmup, someone he worked with often with the blue and gold. Brown's country music-loving personality was unique, yet gravitational, with Indiana.
Toronto Raptors forward Jordan Nwora catches up with Indiana Pacers assistant coach Mike Weinar while Raptors guard Bruce Brown hugs Pacers assistant coach Jenny Boucek in Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 26, 2024. (Mandatory Photo Credit: AllPacers)
Toronto Raptors forward Jordan Nwora catches up with Indiana Pacers assistant coach Mike Weinar while Raptors guard Bruce Brown hugs Pacers assistant coach Jenny Boucek in Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 26, 2024. (Mandatory Photo Credit: AllPacers)
Now with the Raptors, Brown is still just as versatile. He mostly comes off the bench for the team up North, but his stats are still solid — he's averaging 8.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game for the Raptors. He was a popular name in trade talks ahead of the trade deadline last month, but Toronto held on to Brown.
"He's just such a great competitor. He's a guy that wants to go out there and help the team in any possible way to win," Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said of Brown. He called the six-year pro a veteran thanks to his experience and desire to contribute to winning, even on a team with a losing record. "He always talks in terms of team basketball... He has a lot of NBA experience. I'm really trying to get him to use his voice more."
Clearly, the veteran guard and 2023 NBA Champion is leaving an impression on his new franchise just as he did with the Pacers. Fittingly, his last game played for Indiana was the game in which he received his championship ring in Denver.
He was traded three days later. "He helped us a lot. He helped us with his daily approach. He was super professional, very adaptable," Carlisle said, saying that Brown often came in at 7 a.m. for shooting work. "He just was a very consistent guy," he added, noting that he was important for the team's culture.
Brown's two-year contract with a team option is attractive for essentially any team, especially as the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement takes hold of the league. Because of Brown's versatile skill set and valuable contract, he could be an in-demand player again this summer — perhaps as a trade candidate or free agent. Several teams reportedly had interest in the Massachusetts native.
"It's been great having him on the team. Brings a lot of energy, great guy... he'll definitely help this team take the next step," Nwora said of Brown's impact with the Pacers earlier in the season. The pair are now teammates in Toronto.
It may have been a short stint, but Bruce Brown clearly left an impact with Indiana. His fingerprints on the Pacers' culture and defensive growth mentality will be noticeable for a while despite Brown being moved.
- Bennedict Mathurin to miss the rest of the 2023-24 season for the Indiana Pacers due to a torn right labrum. CLICK HERE.
- Slow starts, like Thursday's vs Timberwolves, holding Indiana Pacers back during a key point in the season. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers chasing the playoffs and watching the standings as March arrives. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers use a huge third quarter to topple Orlando Magic on the road. CLICK HERE.
- Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
- Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers
