The Indiana Pacers are in the middle of what some might call a "gap year," but don't tell that to the front office. With Tyrese Haliburton currently sidelined for the 2025-26 season following a brutal Achilles tear in last year’s NBA Finals, the vibes in Indy have been... well, let's just say a bit experimental.
The latest move?
The Pacers signed Tony Bradley to a 10-day contract on January 8, 2026. If that name sounds familiar to Haliburton die-hards, it should. Bradley and Haliburton shared the floor briefly during their time with the Sacramento Kings. While the team is sitting at a rough 9-31 record after their storybook Finals run, this isn't just a random body to fill a jersey. It’s a strategic, low-risk play for a team trying to figure out what the center rotation looks like without Myles Turner.
The Sacramento Connection You Probably Forgot
Most people think of Haliburton’s Kings days and immediately picture Buddy Hield or De'Aaron Fox. But back in the 2021-22 season, Tony Bradley was part of that Sacramento ecosystem too.
It’s kind of wild how these NBA circles loop back around.
When Indiana brought in Alex Len earlier in 2025, it was a similar "Haliburton comfort move." Now, with the frontcourt decimated by injuries to Obi Toppin and Isaiah Jackson, the Pacers are reaching back into that familiarity well. Bringing in Bradley isn't about finding a new superstar. It's about finding someone who understands the "vertical spacer" role that Rick Carlisle’s system demands.
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Honestly, it’s about survival.
Why Tony Bradley and Why Now?
The Pacers are currently running a "center by committee" approach that feels a little like a science project. You’ve got Jay Huff, Micah Potter, and occasionally Pascal Siakam sliding up to the five.
It’s been messy.
Bradley brings a massive 6-foot-10, 248-pound frame to a roster that has been getting bullied on the glass. Last season, the Pacers’ rebounding percentages dipped significantly without Turner’s presence. Bradley isn't going to step out and hit threes—he’s a traditional rim-runner. But he’s an elite offensive rebounder when he actually gets minutes. For a team that misses Haliburton’s elite transition passing, having a guy who can just snag a board and kick it out to Andrew Nembhard or Bennedict Mathurin is basically a necessity at this point.
The Roster Carousel in Indy
If you haven't been keeping up with the transaction wire, the Pacers' bench has had more turnover than a local bakery.
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- Tony Bradley: Signed Jan 8, waived Jan 5, then brought back.
- Garrison Mathews: Waived in late December.
- James Wiseman: Had his 10-day contract terminated recently.
- Micah Potter: Finally locked into a multi-year deal.
It's clear the front office is "auditioning" for the 2026-27 season. They want to see who fits next to Haliburton when he makes his highly anticipated return next October.
The Haliburton Factor: More Than Just a Teammate
Even though Tyrese isn't playing, he’s basically a shadow coach. Reports from recent weeks show him on the bench with play sheets, constantly talking to the younger guys like Kam Jones and Jarace Walker.
Haliburton’s endorsement carries weight in this building.
When the Pacers sign an ex-teammate of Haliburton, there’s an unspoken level of trust. Bradley knows how to play with a high-IQ point guard. Even if he’s only catching passes from Nembhard for now, the screen-setting and "basketball-isms" he brings help maintain the culture the Pacers built during their 2024 run.
What This Means for the Future
The reality is that this season is about finding "the others."
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With Myles Turner now in Milwaukee, the Pacers have a massive hole at the five. Is Tony Bradley the long-term answer? Probably not. But he’s a veteran who won’t make mistakes while the coaching staff evaluates if someone like Daniel Gafford (who is heavily rumored in trade talks with Dallas) is worth a first-round pick.
If you’re a Pacers fan, don't get discouraged by the 9-31 record. The team is gathering data. They are seeing which role players can survive the "Carlisle gauntlet." Bradley’s 10-day deal is a tiny piece of a much larger puzzle that involves a healthy Haliburton, a developed Mathurin, and a solidified frontcourt.
What to Watch Next
Keep an eye on the minutes distribution over the next few games. If Bradley can provide even 12 minutes of solid rim protection, expect him to get a second 10-day or a rest-of-season minimum. The Pacers need size, and they need it yesterday.
Keep your notifications on for the February trade deadline. With Haliburton’s rehab looking good—he was recently seen shooting and moving comfortably in practice videos—the front office might be more aggressive in finding his permanent pick-and-roll partner before the season ends.