Pacers Roundup: Kam Jones Apology, Turner Contract Dispute, Mathurin Outlook, Nesmith Extension
pacers-roundup-jones-turner-mathurin-nesmith
Indiana Pacers rookie guard Kam Jones issued a public apology Tuesday after his arrest on Monday for alleged erratic driving. “I’m deeply sorry to the Pacers organization and the fans,” Jones told reporters. The 23-year-old said he was heading to the team’s facility for treatment on a back injury when he believed he was running late. Head coach Rick Carlisle defended the first-round pick, describing his character as “exemplary” and saying the incident will likely amount to “a speeding ticket and probably not much more.”
Veteran center Myles Turner said he was surprised to leave Indiana this offseason. Speaking with The Athletic, the 29-year-old explained that he expected to reach a long-term agreement with the Pacers but received offers capped at three years and $22 million annually. Feeling the two sides “weren’t aligned,” Turner and his agent explored options elsewhere, leading to his move to the Milwaukee Bucks as their new starting center.
Third-year wing Bennedict Mathurin was one of 12 players who did not secure a rookie-scale extension before Monday’s deadline. The 22-year-old downplayed the situation, saying he is focused on proving himself this season. A crowded Indiana payroll was widely viewed as a factor in the lack of an early deal.
Meanwhile, forward Aaron Nesmith finalized a two-year extension to remain with the Pacers. The former Celtics lottery pick called the contract “awesome,” adding that his goal is to bring a championship to Indiana. Carlisle praised the move, labeling Nesmith “a proven starter on a championship-caliber team” and calling the extension “a great event for the franchise.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
