Indiana Pacers two-way contract players continue to get experience
INDIANAPOLIS — Last night, a pair of Indiana Pacers two-way contract players got playing time in a loss against the New Orleans Pelicans. Kendall Brown and Oscar Tshiebwe, two youngsters on deals that let them split time between the NBA and the G League, both played in the fourth quarter on Friday.
It was just another instance of the Pacers two-way contract players getting more experience as the season has progressed. Brown and Tshiebwe specifically have been with the Pacers and active for games often in recent months as the Pacers have been banged up.
They've gotten some playing time, too. Brown is up to six appearances this season, and he's averaging 1.7 points per game. Tshiebwe, meanwhile, has eight outings under his belt with the blue and gold. The rookie center is averaging 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.
"Those guys need to go play. If we get into a roster situation where we need bodies, they'll be back. But we try to get them as many games suited up as possible because it's just great experience even if they don't play," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of his two-way contract players last weekend. "They're a part of the scouting report, they're learning. They're sitting there... and there's a chance they get in the game."
For Brown, much of this season has been about becoming a more mature, more consistent player. His stats in the NBA are similar to his first season, but he's grown in the G League. With the Indiana Mad Ants, he's averaging 16.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game — all improvements over last season. He's shooting 50% from the field, too.
His defensive level has risen as well. Brown's athleticism is a strength, and his feel has taken a step forward from year one to year two.
Isaiah Wong, the Pacers least experienced two-way contract player, has also been playing better of late. The rookie guard, drafted late in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft, has been working on his point guard skills this season and has been an effective scorer recently.
Indiana Pacers two-way contract guard Isaiah Wong plays for the Indiana Mad Ants against the Windy City Bulls in Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Tony East)
His only NBA appearance was in the In-Season Tournament title game, and he didn't have any stats. In the G League, Wong is averaging 16 points and 3.8 assists per game, including some more effective passing games earlier this month.
"It's a process. Just coming in as a point guard, making plays, and just deciding what to do every time," Wong said of his growth this season. "It's a process right now," he added, noting that he feels like he's getting better with his reads every day.
Wong recently appeared in the G League Next Up game, as did Tshiebwe. The latter, a rookie center, is a monster on the glass, which has proven to be an NBA-level skill. He has looked great for an undrafted rookie in his few appearances.
In the G League, the 24-year old is averaging 14.6 points and 14.1 rebounds per game. "Everything is going good. I'm learning a lot," Tshiebwe recently said of his growth this season. He thinks he has improved with the Pacers, too.
All three of the Pacers two-way contract players are getting better as the season progresses. They'll continue to get experience in the final month of the G League season.
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