Syracuse men’s basketball: Cole Swider signs one-year contract with Indiana Pacers.
An impressive showing in the NBA Summer League earns the former Orangeman another shot at pro ball.
Former Syracuse Orange basketball player Cole Swider is signing a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Indiana Pacers, according to a report on X.
Blessed and Thankful for another opportunity. Excited to get to work @Pacers #TFAHW #AGTG https://t.co/XWarJFKrqy.
— Cole Swider (@coleswider21) August 3, 2024
Swider looked sharp while playing for the Miami Heat in the NBA Summer League last month. The forward averaged 13.5 points and made nearly half of his 3-point attempts across eight games in Las Vegas and California. Swider helped the Heat win the summer league championship, chipping in 19 points and five threes off the bench in the title game.
COLE SWIDER COMES UP CLUTCH! pic.twitter.com/ksvpqkQhqQ
— Heat Nation (@HeatNationCom) July 23, 2024
The Pacers will be Swider’s third team in three seasons since wrapping up his collegiate career in 2022. After a year with the Los Angeles Lakers, he appeared in 18 games with the Heat last season, scoring 2.3 points per contest.
The forward thrived in 21 games with Miami’s G-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, racking up 24.5 points per game on 47% shooting from deep.
Indiana is an excellent fit for Swider’s style of play. The Pacers offense worked at the fifth-fastest pace and ranked eighth in 3-point percentage last year.
Andrew Nembhard Secures a $59 Million, 3-Year Deal with Pacers.
The Indiana Pacers have secured a crucial part of their young core by signing guard Andrew Nembhard to a three-year, $59 million contract extension. This deal, confirmed by his agents Todd Ramasar and Jaafar Choufani of Life Sports Agency, ensures the place of Andrew Nembhard with the Pacers through the 2027-28 NBA season.
Furthermore, Nembhard’s new contract, which becomes effective next season, represents the maximum allowable amount for a three-year deal under current NBA regulations. Moreover, the Pacers will decline his $2.2 million team option for the 2025-26 season, making way for the lucrative extension.
Breakout Performance in the Playoffs
Nembhard’s impressive performances in the 2024 Eastern Conference playoffs were pivotal for the Pacers. Averaging 14.9 points and 5.5 assists on 56 percent shooting, he played a significant role in Indiana’s journey to the conference finals. His postseason prowess was further highlighted by a remarkable shooting percentage: 48 percent from beyond the arc, the highest among players with at least 25 attempts, and a 55 percent field goal percentage.
In the absence of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton during Games 3 and 4 of the conference finals against the Boston Celtics, Nembhard stepped up significantly. He averaged 28 points and 9.5 assists, demonstrating his ability to lead the team under pressure.
Nembhard’s Rise with the Pacers
Drafted 31st overall out of Gonzaga in 2022, Nembhard quickly developed into a key player for the Pacers. His growth over two NBA seasons has been a significant development story for the team. Nembhard’s on-court success has been complemented by his contributions to the Canadian national team, currently competing in the Paris Olympics.
Nembhard is part of a dynamic and talented group of Pacers guards, including Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Ben Sheppard, and veteran T.J. McConnell. This young core, along with other key players like All-Star Pascal Siakam and forward Obi Toppin, positions the Pacers as strong contenders for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
With the extension of Andrew Nembhard, the Pacers are solidifying their roster with the hopes of building on their recent success. Moreover, the team’s performance in the playoffs, including victories over the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks, has set high expectations for the future. However, Nembhard’s continued development and his ability to perform in critical moments will be essential for the Pacers as they aim for a deeper playoff run and potential championship contention in the coming years.
