Former Pacers forward Oshae Brissett explains why he signed with the Boston Celtics in free agency
The Indiana Pacers had five free agents entering the 2023 offseason, but so far only one of them has signed a contract. James Johnson, Gabe York, George Hill, and Kendall Brown are still free agents.
Oshae Brissett, however, agreed to a deal with the Boston Celtics fairly early in free agency. He spent three seasons with Indiana, where he averaged 8.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, and he was a part of the team's rotation in each campaign. Brissett amassed 153 appearances since being signed in 2021.
The Pacers had a roster crunch this summer. They had a ton of draft picks and not many roster spots available. That was going to make it tough to retain their players.
On draft night, the team selected Jarace Walker eighth overall. Walker is a bruising, young power forward, and adding him into the mix not only filled a roster spot but also reduced the Pacers' need for Brissett. There just wouldn't be minutes available for the 25-year old on the team next year, barring multiple injuries.
Once the Pacers agreed to trade for forward Obi Toppin, the writing was on the wall. Brissett would not be returning. He quickly found a new home though, as he agreed to a two-year deal with Boston.
"I was really excited," Brissett told reporters of joining the Celtics, per a video posted by NBC Sports Boston. "This is my first time being a free agent, so getting a call from an organization like this, (president of basketball operations) Brad [Stevens] and (head coach) Joe [Mazzulla] on the phone, really let me know that they really appreciate me and respect me as a player."
The Celtics lost Grant Williams (via sign-and-trade), Mike Muscala (via trade), and Blake Griffin (via free agency so far) this offseason, so they could have frontcourt minutes available in the rotation. Brissett could get minutes for the Celtics, depending on how they structure their frontcourt.
The Canadian forward thinks he will bring energy and excitement to his new team. He can rebound and cut at a high level for his position, so he can have an instant impact in Boston. His transition to a new team should be smoother as his former Indiana teammate, Malcolm Brogdon, is currently on Boston's roster.
"He's a seasoned vet," Brissett siad of Brogdon. "He's really smart."
During his four-year career, Brissett has never played in a playoff game. He has two play-in appearances back in 2021, but no other postseason experience. Joining a contender should help him improve, and Boston will be among the favorites for a title next season.
Brissett thinks the team is trending towards that, and his new team is excited about the versatility he can bring on both ends. His low-mistakes style will be valuable on a team that needs quality depth.
With the Pacers, Brissett thinks he grew a ton. Between his time in the G League and with the NBA club, the forward improved his understanding of himself as a person. "Over there was a little up and down, [we] were a team on the rise trying to figure out what they wanted to do," he said of the Pacers.
Now, he's off to Boston, where he can possibly have a role and contribute to a winning team. Spotrac lists his deal as a two-year agreement at the minimum salary with a player option on the second season, meaning Brissett is guaranteed at least $4.6 million over the next two years. If he has a great season, though, he could opt out and enter free agency again next summer. After years of growth with the Pacers, he has found the right home to bet on himself.
You can watch Brissett's full media availability with Boston media members here.
- Tyrese Haliburton hosts basketball camp in Indianapolis, talks Indiana Pacers offseason and Summer League. CLICK HERE.
- Jarace Walker exclusive: On his early time with the Indiana Pacers, gaming, development, and more. CLICK HERE.
- Reports: Indiana Pacers have 'reached out' about Pascal Siakam trade with Toronto Raptors. CLICK HERE.
- Bennedict Mathurin shows strengths and growth areas for Indiana Pacers during Summer League play. CLICK HERE.
- Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
- Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers
