The Indiana Pacers are one team many people believe could make a jump up in the standings in the Eastern Conference during the 2023-24 NBA regular season. After going 35-47 last season, optimism is high in Indianapolis.
With All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton leading the way, the Pacers are a tough out every night. They have a solid mix of younger players and seasoned veterans that if they mesh well, good things will happen on the court.
However, not everyone is excited about things this season. One player who is disappointed is veteran center Daniel Thies. He is currently so far down the depth chart for head coach Rick Carlisle that he didn’t even get into the team’s blowout loss at the hands of the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Daniel Theis, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers Updates
The Pacers lost the game 155-104 and trailed by 38 points heading into the fourth quarter. Despite the benches being emptied on both sides, Thies didn’t get in the game for a single second. In an interview with Brian Robb of MassLive, Thies expressed his displeasure with the role he currently has in Indiana.
“Obviously, after a great summer, I’m not happy with the situation I’m in right now,” Theis told Robb in a November 2 story. “I want to play and take all the good stuff from the summer into the season, but it’s a long season. We are going to see what’s going on and what’s happening.”
Right now, Theis is the fourth center, at best, on the depth chart. Jalen Smith is the backup to Myles Turner currently and 2021 first-round pick Isaiah Jackson is behind him.
Both players are younger than Theis and present more upside, which is why the Pacers are committed to giving them more playing time. The only thing that seems like it could get the veteran big man into the rotation is an injury. But, Theis remains ready for whenever his number is called.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Daniel Theis, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers Updates
“There’s communication, but it’s also coach’s decision,” Theis said. “I just stay ready, do my thing, and whatever happens, happens.”
Theis ended up in Indiana as part of the trade the Celtics made for Malcolm Brogdon ahead of the 2022-23 season. He played in only seven games last season, as he is likely holding out hope for a change of scenery to come sooner than later.
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