The Washington Wizards have agreed to waive former Sacramento Kings center Alex Len, who is expected to sign with the Indiana Pacers once he clears waivers, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Len joined the Wizards at the trade deadline as Johnny Davis and Marvin Bagley III were sent to the Kings in a three-team team trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies.
Indiana freed up an open roster spot by shipping the injured James Wiseman to Toronto on Thursday. The Pacers also sent cash considerations to Toronto. Indiana received a late, well-protected 2026 draft pick that probably won’t convey, though the Pacers also got a trade exception.
Indiana Pacers Expected To Sign Veteran Center To Backup Myles Turner
I like this transaction for the Pacers. Len, a 12-year veteran, is the epitome of a true professional. He is very workmanlike and does what is needed, even if he is capable of doing more. The Pacers will be the sixth different organization he has played for.
Len spent the last four seasons in Sactown but hasn’t seen much time since the Kings opted to use Trey Lyles as the main backup behind Domantas Sabonis. He has shown to still be an adept low-post scorer, defender, and quality rim protector.
The 31-year-old averaged 1.4 points on 53.7% shooting and 1.7 rebounds in seven minutes over 31 appearances. He was much more productive in his three starts, though he averaged only 16 minutes in those contests.
What will Len’s role be with the Pacers?
Indiana has needed depth behind starting center Myles Turner since Isaiah Jackson and Wiseman suffered season-ending injuries in the first few weeks of the season. Granted, the Pacers brought in Thomas Bryant. Bryant has been solid since joining the team in mid-December from the Heat.
In 25 games with the Pacers, including three starts, Bryant has compiled 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 15 minutes a game. Bryant scored in double-figures for the seventh time in Indiana’s 122-117 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers this afternoon. He also has compiled one double-double.
Bryant has been fantastic with the Pacers on both ends of the floor. He has added shooting, with his ability to space the floor, athleticism, and rebounding. The 27-year-old has been excellent on the defensive end, providing rim protection.
With Bryant likely remaining as Turner’s primary backup, what role will Len have?
Len Is a Big Body Who Does The Little Things Well
Len projects to fill in at the five emergency/injury cases. Turner is currently out, missing the Lakers contest with a cervical strain. However, Rick Carlisle said that Turner is not in concussion protocol and is considered day-to-day.
Indiana (29-22) is off until Tuesday when the Pacers host New York. So, if Turner cannot play against the Knicks, then Len should get minutes behind Bryant. Thus, this alleviates the need for Pascal Siakam or Obi Toppin, who is really not suited for the five and has to see much or any time at center. Siakam has considerable experience at center with Toronto but is at his best at power forward.
Len is limited offensively and is not a great rebounder. The 7-foot, 245-pounder doesn’t need plays called for him and will likely hang around the rim waiting for a Tyrese Haliburton lob or putback. He is an excellent screener, which is one of his biggest attributes, though more significantly, he does all the little things well.
Len is a physical defender who will get after it on that end and is not afraid to mix things up a bit. He does an excellent job contesting shots and is a willing helper. However, he is not fleet of foot.
Salary Cap Implications For Signing Len
While it is likely that Len will clear waivers and sign with the Pacers, since that is the purported news, it won’t happen for a couple of days. I expect the Pacers, who are $2.3 million below the tax line, to sign Len for the remainder of the season. If that is the case, his cap hit will reportedly be just $700,000.
It is possible that the Pacers offer him a nonguaranteed multi-year deal. Indiana has 11 players under contract for next season, though Turner, Bryant, and Jackson are all slated to hit free agency. Jackson could be a restricted free agent if the Pacers make the $6.4 million qualifying offer, which seems likely.
Photo courtesy of © Brad Penner Imagine Images
The post Indiana Pacers Expected To Sign Ex-Sacramento Kings Center For Depth appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.