The Indiana Pacers have reportedly signed free agent guard Cole Swider to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. Swider, who played 18 games for the Miami Heat last season, will be bringing his sharpshooting skills to Indiana.
Impressive Summer League Performance
Swider’s signing follows an impressive performance in the Summer League, where he averaged 13.5 points per game and shot 49.1 percent from beyond the arc on nearly seven attempts per game. This standout showing likely played a significant role in securing his new contract with the Pacers.
Career Highlights and Statistics
Swider’s NBA career includes stints with both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat. Over 25 regular-season games, he has averaged 2.0 points per game while shooting 38.3 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from three-point range. While these numbers may not be eye-popping, his potential and shooting prowess were highlighted in his G League performances.
Dominance in the G League
In the G League, Cole Swider demonstrated his scoring ability, averaging 24.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His efficiency was remarkable, with shooting percentages of 51.9 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from three-point range in 14 games for the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Pacers’ Recent Success and Outlook
The Pacers are coming off a strong season, finishing as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 47-35 record. They made the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2020 and advanced to the Eastern Conference finals, where they were defeated by the Boston Celtics in four games. Adding Swider could bolster their roster depth and provide additional three-point shooting.
Cole Swider’s journey through the NBA and the G League has been marked by consistent improvement and impressive shooting. His signing with the Pacers offers him another opportunity to make an impact at the highest level. As the Pacers aim to build on their recent success, Swider’s shooting ability and potential could be valuable assets for the team moving forward.
Comments