Indiana Pacers announced Thursday that they have signed forward/center Larry Nance Jr. to a one‑year, $4 million contract, hoping his veteran presence will shore up a frontcourt that struggled all season. The move comes as the club tries to rebound from a 19‑63 record and a recent loss to Detroit, Indiana Pacers 121-133 Detroit Pistons (2026-04-12), while the team’s recent form reads 1W‑0D‑4L, with four straight defeats.
What does Nance Jr. bring to Indy?
Larry Nance Jr. was the 27th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and spent his first 2½ seasons in purple and gold, sharing a locker room with Kobe Bryant. After a stint in LA, he helped LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers reach the 2018 NBA Finals. In 2020 he posted 10.1 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 53.1% from the field. This season with Cleveland he averaged 3.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 35 games, shooting 41.9% overall and 33.3% from three‑point range.
His career numbers sit at 7.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game, with a 53.5% field‑goal percentage and 35.2% from beyond the arc across 581 contests. Those stats suggest a reliable role player who can finish at the rim, protect the paint and space the floor when needed.
Why the Pacers need a veteran forward/center now
Indiana’s roster features rising talent, but injuries forced the team into the league’s 14th seed last year. The Pacers gave up 19 wins, a stark contrast to their 2025 NBA Finals run. Adding Nance gives coach Rick Carlisle a seasoned body who can rotate between power forward and center, allowing younger bigs like Jalen Duren to rest without sacrificing rebounding or defensive intensity.
Nance’s experience in playoff atmospheres-he’s logged minutes in a Finals series-offers a calm voice during crunch time. His ability to finish alley‑oop passes and defend pick‑and‑roll actions should help the Pacers tighten up the paint, an area that cost them heavily in close games.
How will the signing affect Indiana’s short‑term outlook?
The one‑year deal signals a “prove‑yourself” approach. If Nance can translate his 2020 efficiency into the current roster, he could push Indiana back into the Eastern Conference’s top‑ten. The Pacers will likely see him start off the bench, providing a spark against opposing big men and contributing occasional three‑point shooting to stretch defenses.
With the season already underway, the Pacers must turn the recent losing streak around quickly. Nance’s first appearance could come against a rival frontcourt, testing his chemistry with teammates like Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner. A solid performance would validate the front office’s decision and give fans a reason to stay hopeful despite the 1W‑0D‑4L slide.
What’s next for Indiana after the signing?
Beyond Nance, the Pacers remain active in the trade market, looking for a wing who can complement Haliburton’s playmaking. The team’s schedule includes a stretch of games against Eastern powerhouses, offering a chance to measure the impact of the new signing.
If Nance can stay healthy and deliver the rebounding and defensive grit the Pacers lack, his presence could be the catalyst that turns a disappointing 19‑63 campaign into a competitive playoff push. The next few weeks will reveal whether the veteran’s experience translates into tangible wins for Indiana.
