Pacers Bolster Frontcourt Depth: Sign Micah Potter, Release James Wiseman and Waive Garrison Mathews

In a series of roster adjustments aimed at addressing ongoing frontcourt concerns amid a challenging 2025-26 season, the Indiana Pacers announced on December 26, 2025, that they have signed center Micah Potter to a rest-of-season contract (reportedly a one-plus-one deal with a team option for next year). To create space on the 15-man roster, the team waived guard Garrison Mathews and terminated the 10-day hardship contract of center James Wiseman.

This move comes as the Pacers (6-25) continue to navigate a season plagued by injuries, particularly in the frontcourt. Centers Isaiah Jackson (concussion) and Tony Bradley (fractured thumb) are dealing with recent ailments, prompting the need for additional big-man depth beyond Jay Huff and others. Potter, a 6-foot-9, 248-pound forward/center, was dominating in the G League with the Austin Spurs, averaging 15.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 36.5% from three.

Micah Potter’s Journey to Indiana

The 27-year-old Potter, a native of Mentor, Ohio, has long been a standout big man with shooting touch. He began his college career at Ohio State (2017-19), where he showed promise as a freshman and sophomore, averaging around 5 points and 3 rebounds per game. Seeking a larger role, Potter transferred to Wisconsin for his final two seasons (2019-21), exploding into a key contributor for the Badgers.

In his senior year (2020-21), Potter averaged 12.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and shot an impressive 50.5% from the field, including 38.7% from three. He earned a spot on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List (given to the nation’s top center) and helped Wisconsin reach the NCAA Tournament. His blend of size, rebounding, and perimeter shooting made him a modern stretch-big prototype.

Undrafted in 2021, Potter began his pro career in the G League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (Miami Heat affiliate). He earned brief NBA stints: three games with the Detroit Pistons in 2021-22, then a more extended run with the Utah Jazz on two-way contracts over the next three seasons (61 games, including 10 starts). With Utah last year, he averaged 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds, knocking down 31 threes at a respectable clip.

Potter also represented Team USA on the Select Team for the 2024 Olympics, staying on for exhibitions and impressing with his skill set. This season in the G League, his numbers suggested he was ready for another NBA opportunity—enter the Pacers.

Fans in Wisconsin were particularly excited, with Badger faithful celebrating one of their former stars getting a shot during a tough Indiana season. Potter is available immediately and could see minutes as soon as the Pacers’ next game against the Miami Heat on December 27.

Why Release Wiseman?

James Wiseman, the former No. 2 overall pick in 2020, has had a tumultuous tenure with the Pacers. He initially signed a two-year deal in 2024 but tore his Achilles just minutes into the season opener, missing the entire year. Re-signed over the summer on another minimum deal, Wiseman played one game in October 2025 before being waived to make room for backcourt help amid injuries.

He returned on December 20 via a 10-day hardship exception, appearing in three games (averaging 13 minutes and limited production). However, with the hardship provision no longer applying and Potter emerging as a preferred option—likely due to his shooting, versatility, and current form—the Pacers opted to terminate Wiseman’s deal early. Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Wiseman receives his full 10-day pay without needing to clear waivers.

At 24, Wiseman’s career has been derailed by injuries (Achilles, knee issues earlier with Golden State and Detroit). His raw athleticism and rim-running ability remain intriguing, but consistency and health have eluded him. This marks his second release from Indiana this season, and he’ll now hit free agency again, potentially drawing interest from teams needing big-man depth or a reclamation project.

Garrison Mathews, a sharpshooting wing signed earlier on hardship deals and later to a rest-of-season contract, averaged 5.2 points in 15 games but became expendable as the roster crunch shifted toward frontcourt needs.

What This Means for the Pacers

In a “lost” season without Tyrese Haliburton (out for the year) and marred by injuries, these moves reflect Indiana’s focus on evaluation and development. Potter adds spacing around Pascal Siakam and young pieces like Jarace Walker, potentially improving an offense ranked dead last in the league. His rebounding and steal numbers could help a defense that’s been middling.

While not a blockbuster, signing Potter—a skilled, high-IQ big with NBA experience—over a raw prospect like Wiseman signals a preference for ready contributors who fit Rick Carlisle’s system. As the Pacers eye a high draft pick in 2026 and Haliburton’s return next year, moves like this are about finding diamonds in the rough for the future core.

Potter’s debut could come quickly against Miami, where Indiana looks to snap a lengthy losing streak. For a franchise in rebuild mode, bringing in a local-ish product (Ohio roots) with Badger ties adds a feel-good element amid the struggles.