Pacers to Secure Tony Bradley on Season-Long Deal as their Center Reinforcement
HOLY CRAP, TONY BRADLEY'S DONE IT AGAIN! Seems like ol' Tony's gonna be sticking around with the Pacers for the remainder of the season, and we ain't mad about it! The former North Carolina Wolfpack standout finished up back-to-back 10-day contracts like a boss and earned himself a permanent spot on our roster.
The Pacers have been wobbling with injuries at the center spot all year, losing both James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson to injuries early on. After trying their luck with Moses Brown, Thomas Bryant, and Jahlil Okafor, they've finally snatched up the big guy they needed.
Coach Carlisle praises Bradley's simplicity and strong instincts on the court. He knows where he needs to be, and he plays to his strengths. Plus, folks can't stop talking about his rebounding skills! Tony's performance in his first few outings is pretty impressive, with 3.0 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, and a solid 78.9% field-goal percentage.
But, before joining the Pacers, this dude was sitting out the 2023-24 season. Between the G League and the College Park Skyhawks, he averaged 14 points and 10.5 rebounds. His G League numbers suggest that, given more court time, Tony can step it up a notch.
"Couldn't be happier to be here, just staying ready," Bradley said, after joining the Pacers. By the looks of things, he fits like a glove within the team! "Happy to be here...enjoying the moment," he added.
Tony came to the Pacers as a first-round draft pick back in 2017. With nine career playoff appearances already under his belt, some fans are hopeful he could earn more with the Pacers in the coming season. As of now, the Pacers aren't pushing the luxury tax line – a two-year, minimum salary deal for Tony Bradley would cost about $300k, which the Pacers can easily swing without breaking the bank. And hey, we sure could use that center depth, especially during the playoffs!
Now, let's talk about what Tony brings to the table for the Pacers:
- Rebounding like there's no tomorrow. A true center's strength, it's Tony's best skill, too. He proved it right from his first game with the Pacers, logging a rebound during a win over the Rockets.
- Fit is not a question, even though Tony Bradley might not be the speediest player out there. Our team plays fast – top-seven pace, in fact, in the NBA. But Bradley has managed to adapt to our fast-paced style, moving the ball quickly and making sound decisions under pressure.
- He should feel right at home in Indy. The Florida native had his best game with the Pacers when he faced his former team, the Chicago Bulls. That night, he managed to log six points, two rebounds, and an assist during a blowout win. Tony also performed impressively in the victory over the Dallas Mavericks, earning more rotation minutes.
- In case the big fella has trouble adapting or manages to get hurt, the Pacers have got a team option on his contract for the 2025-26 season.
In summary, Tony Bradley's latest contract with the Pacers is a move that solidifies our frontcourt depth, especially after the injuries we've had. He's given an impressive performance so far, and fans are excited to see how he'll continue to grow with the team. WELCOME ABOARD, TONY BRADLEY! Let's hoop the hell out of this season!
- tonal bradley's impressive performance and rebounding skills have made him an essential addition to the Pacers' roster, especially considering their struggles with injuries at the center position.
- His recent signing with the Pacers is a strategic move that prioritizes salary efficiency, as the two-year, minimum salary deal for Tony Bradley will cost about $300k, a sum the team can manage without exceeding the luxury tax line.
- Tony Bradley's ability to adapt to the Pacers' fast-paced style, combined with his strong instincts and rebounding prowess, demonstrate his readiness to contribute to the team's success in the league, making fans hopeful for Tony's potential playoff appearances with the Pacers in the coming season.
