Indiana Pacers Bolster Roster with Riley Minix Signing Ahead of 2025 Training Camp

As the Indiana Pacers prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season, they have made a strategic move to deepen their roster by signing young forward Riley Minix just days before the start of training camp on October 1, 2025. This signing, announced on September 9, 2025, reflects the team’s commitment to enhancing their lineup with versatile, high-potential players. Minix, a 6-foot-8 forward who previously played for the San Antonio Spurs, brings athleticism, scoring prowess, and rebounding ability to a Pacers squad aiming to build on their surprising Eastern Conference Finals run in 2024. This article explores the significance of Minix’s signing, his background and skill set, the Pacers’ strategic motivations, and the broader context of their preparations for the upcoming season.

The Significance of the Signing

The addition of Riley Minix comes at a pivotal moment for the Indiana Pacers. After a disappointing 16-18 start to the 2024-25 season, which saw them sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, the team is under pressure to regain the momentum that propelled them to the conference finals the previous year. The signing of Minix, reported by sources such as Motorcyclesports.net on September 9, 2025, is a low-risk, high-reward move aimed at bolstering depth and injecting fresh talent into the roster.

Training camp, set to begin on October 1, 2025, at the St. Vincent Center in Indianapolis, is a critical period for the Pacers to fine-tune their rotation and evaluate new additions. Minix’s signing aligns with the team’s strategy of integrating young players who can develop alongside stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam while contributing immediately in specific roles. The move also reflects the Pacers’ proactive approach to roster management, as they navigate a competitive Eastern Conference landscape that includes powerhouses like the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers.

Riley Minix: Player Profile and Background

Riley Minix, a 24-year-old forward from Morehead State, went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft but quickly made a name for himself with impressive performances in college and the NBA Summer League. Standing at 6-foot-8, Minix possesses the size and versatility to play both forward positions, making him a valuable asset in today’s positionless NBA. During his senior season at Morehead State, he averaged 20.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, shooting 54% from the field, 35% from three-point range, and 84% from the free-throw line. These numbers highlight his ability to impact games on both ends of the floor.

Minix’s journey to the NBA has been marked by resilience. After going undrafted, he signed a training camp deal with the San Antonio Spurs in July 2024, where he showcased his skills in the NBA 2K25 Summer League. In four Summer League games across Las Vegas and the California Classic, Minix averaged 12 points and shot an impressive 7-for-14 from three-point range, demonstrating his ability to stretch the floor. However, his time with the Spurs was limited by a season-ending shoulder surgery in January 2025 to repair a torn labrum. Despite appearing in only one regular-season game for San Antonio, where he grabbed two rebounds in seven minutes, Minix’s potential was evident in his G League performance with the Austin Spurs, where he averaged 19.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 19 games.

His standout moment came during a Summer League game on July 14, 2025, when he hit a game-winning field goal for the Spurs against the Utah Jazz, earning praise from fans and analysts alike. This performance, coupled with his strong showing against the Orlando Magic, where he competed effectively against fellow forward Jalen Slawson, caught the attention of NBA scouts, including those from the Pacers.

Why Minix Fits the Pacers’ Needs

The Pacers’ decision to sign Minix addresses several key needs as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. First, his versatility as a forward allows him to play multiple roles, from scoring in the paint to spacing the floor with his three-point shooting. This aligns with head coach Rick Carlisle’s fast-paced, high-octane offensive system, which relies on players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. Minix’s ability to rebound (9.7 per game in college) and defend multiple positions adds depth to a frontcourt that includes Myles Turner, Pascal Siakam, and recent trade acquisition Thomas Bryant.

Second, Minix’s signing is a cost-effective move for a team looking to balance its roster with young, developmental players. While the exact terms of his contract with the Pacers were not disclosed in the sources, it’s likely an Exhibit 10 or non-guaranteed deal, similar to other recent Pacers signings like Jalen Slawson’s. Such contracts allow the team to evaluate Minix during training camp without significant financial risk. If he performs well, his deal could be converted to a two-way contract, enabling him to split time between the NBA roster and the Pacers’ G League affiliate, the Noblesville Boom.

Third, Minix’s work ethic and leadership qualities make him a cultural fit for the Pacers. Sources close to the Spurs described him as a player who “can outwork anyone and become a leader,” a trait that resonates with Carlisle’s emphasis on team chemistry and hustle. His ability to compete against high-level talent, as demonstrated in his matchups against players like Slawson, suggests he can handle the physicality of NBA competition.

Strategic Context: Pacers’ Roster Moves

The signing of Minix is part of a broader effort by the Pacers to refine their roster ahead of the 2025-26 season. Recent moves indicate a focus on adding depth and flexibility. For example, on January 1, 2025, the Pacers signed guard RayJ Dennis to a two-way contract after waiving rookie Tristen Newton, signaling their willingness to take chances on young talent. Similarly, the team signed Jalen Slawson to an Exhibit 10 contract on September 9, 2025, further emphasizing their strategy of bringing in versatile forwards for training camp evaluation.

The Pacers also made a significant trade for Thomas Bryant to bolster their frontcourt depth, addressing concerns about their center rotation, which includes four players competing for spots. With training camp approaching, the team faces decisions about roster cuts, particularly at the center position, where they may release one or two players to streamline the rotation. Minix’s addition provides insurance in the forward rotation, where injuries or underperformance could create opportunities for him to earn minutes.

The Pacers’ training camp roster, announced on September 30, 2024, via a post on X, included a mix of veterans, young stars, and new additions like Minix and Slawson. This roster reflects the team’s goal of blending experience with youth, a strategy that proved successful during their 2024 playoff run. However, the team’s 16-18 record in the 2024-25 season suggests they have not yet recaptured that form, making additions like Minix critical for injecting energy and potential.

Challenges and Opportunities for Minix

While Minix’s signing is a positive step, his path to a regular role with the Pacers is not guaranteed. The Exhibit 10 or non-guaranteed nature of his likely contract means he must prove himself during training camp to secure a roster spot. Competition from established players like Siakam, Obi Toppin, and Jarace Walker, as well as fellow newcomer Slawson, will make it challenging for Minix to earn immediate playing time.

However, Minix’s versatility and Summer League performances give him a strong case. His ability to shoot from deep (50% from three in Summer League) could make him a valuable floor-spacer in Carlisle’s system, which ranked among the league’s top offenses in 2024. Additionally, his rebounding prowess and defensive versatility align with the Pacers’ need for players who can contribute on both ends. If Minix excels in training camp, he could earn a two-way contract, allowing him to develop with the Noblesville Boom while remaining available for NBA call-ups.

Minix’s recovery from shoulder surgery is another factor to watch. Although he was cleared to return for Summer League in July 2025, his limited NBA experience (one game with the Spurs) means he must demonstrate full health and readiness to compete at the professional level. His G League stats suggest he has the tools to succeed, but translating that performance to the NBA will require adaptation to a faster, more physical game.

Broader Context: Pacers’ 2025-26 Season Outlook

The Pacers enter the 2025-26 season with high expectations but significant challenges. Their 2024 Eastern Conference Finals appearance raised the bar, but their inconsistent 2024-25 season exposed areas for improvement, particularly in defense and frontcourt depth. The signing of Minix, alongside other moves like the acquisition of Bryant and Dennis, reflects a strategy of building a deeper, more versatile roster to compete in a stacked Eastern Conference.

Training camp, starting October 1, 2025, at the St. Vincent Center, will be a proving ground for the team’s new additions. The Pacers’ first preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 8, 2025, and their regular-season opener against the Detroit Pistons on October 23, 2025, provide early opportunities to assess the impact of players like Minix.

The team’s schedule includes high-profile matchups against teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat, which will test their ability to integrate new players while maintaining their up-tempo style. Minix’s role, whether as a rotational player or G League contributor, will depend on his performance in these early opportunities.

The Indiana Pacers’ signing of Riley Minix just before the 2025 training camp is a strategic move to bolster their roster with a versatile, high-upside forward. Minix’s college production, Summer League success, and G League experience make him an intriguing addition to a team looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024-25 season. While his path to a roster spot is uncertain, his athleticism, shooting, and work ethic align with the Pacers’ needs and culture. As training camp kicks off on October 1, 2025, Minix has a chance to prove he belongs in the NBA, potentially carving out a role alongside Indiana’s core of young stars. This signing underscores the Pacers’ commitment to building a competitive roster for the 2025-26 season and beyond, with Minix representing the kind of under-the-radar talent that could make a significant impact.