Pacers welcome Toppin back, upgrade Jackson, add Slawson on two-way
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After nearly five months on the sideline, forward Obi Toppin rejoined the Indiana Pacers’ lineup Thursday night, drawing a standing ovation at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in his first appearance since October 26. The sixth-year veteran logged 8:29 in a loss, the opening step of a season-long minutes restriction imposed by head coach Rick Carlisle.
Toppin, who turns 28 this week, originally left the Pacers’ third game of the season with right hamstring tightness. Subsequent imaging found a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot, leading to surgery and an extended recovery. “I always want to be out there,” Toppin said. “We’re still a team, we still have a lot of games left, and I want to play the right way for the team.”
Veteran guard T.J. McConnell called Toppin “our engine,” praising the energy he injects on both ends. Carlisle added, “Just the reaction of the crowd was heart-warming. We need him.”
Jackson receives three-year standard contract
The Pacers informed guard Quenton Jackson of his promotion from a two-way deal to a three-year standard NBA contract during a team gathering at teammate Pascal Siakam’s fundraiser Friday. “He’s earned it,” Carlisle said, labeling the fourth-year guard a “culture enhancer” who can defend, run the offense or play off the ball. Jackson expressed gratitude and vowed to keep improving.
Slawson signed through season on two-way
Indiana filled the vacated two-way slot by calling up forward Jalen Slawson from the G League’s Noblesville Boom. Carlisle believes the former second-round pick “is an NBA player” and expects him to see game action over the final weeks. Slawson will enter restricted free agency this summer if the Pacers extend a two-way qualifying offer.
Two-way limits in focus
With 22 games left, Indiana must monitor remaining eligibility for its two-way trio. Guard Taelon Peter can suit up 14 more times, Slawson up to 13, and guard Ethan Thompson 10.
Boom lose two players to season-ending injuries
The Boom announced forward Gabe McGlothan suffered multiple rib fractures on February 22, while forward Ray Spalding will undergo surgery on his right middle finger. Both are expected to make full recoveries.
Source: Hoops Rumors
