The Indiana Pacers have parted ways with rookie point guard RayJ Dennis, waiving him to make room for Ethan Thompson, who has signed a two-year, two-way contract deal. The 24-year-old Dennis spent his rookie season with the team and appeared in 11 games, averaging 2.7 points and 1.3 assists per game.
However, with the signing of point guard Monte Morris in early November, followed by injuries to Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, and Quenton Jackson, Dennis's role on the team became increasingly limited. He had only played in garbage time since November 3, averaging just 4.6 points and 2.0 assists per game.
In contrast, Thompson has a history of success at the G League level. With the Sioux Falls Skyforce this season, he averaged 26.9 points per game across eight outings. Last year, Thompson earned a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic but didn't appear in an NBA game.
Thompson's signing brings much-needed depth to the Pacers' roster, which is currently missing several key players due to injury. With a two-year, two-way deal, he can play both with the Pacers and their G League affiliate team, the Noblesville Boom. He will wear jersey number 55 for the Pacers.
Thompson has expressed his excitement about joining the Pacers, saying "I dream about playing in the NBA" and that stepping onto the court won't be any different from another game. The 24-year-old Puerto Rican native has been improving his play as a finisher from all over the court and on the glass, with ball movement.
The signing marks an opportunity for Thompson to take his game to the next level in the NBA. With his two-way deal, he'll be eligible to play active 39 times this season and is under contract for the 2026-27 season as well.
However, with the signing of point guard Monte Morris in early November, followed by injuries to Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, and Quenton Jackson, Dennis's role on the team became increasingly limited. He had only played in garbage time since November 3, averaging just 4.6 points and 2.0 assists per game.
In contrast, Thompson has a history of success at the G League level. With the Sioux Falls Skyforce this season, he averaged 26.9 points per game across eight outings. Last year, Thompson earned a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic but didn't appear in an NBA game.
Thompson's signing brings much-needed depth to the Pacers' roster, which is currently missing several key players due to injury. With a two-year, two-way deal, he can play both with the Pacers and their G League affiliate team, the Noblesville Boom. He will wear jersey number 55 for the Pacers.
Thompson has expressed his excitement about joining the Pacers, saying "I dream about playing in the NBA" and that stepping onto the court won't be any different from another game. The 24-year-old Puerto Rican native has been improving his play as a finisher from all over the court and on the glass, with ball movement.
The signing marks an opportunity for Thompson to take his game to the next level in the NBA. With his two-way deal, he'll be eligible to play active 39 times this season and is under contract for the 2026-27 season as well.
think about it, life's like a game, we're all just trying to find our place on the court 
... sometimes you gotta take a seat on the bench 
, watch the game unfold, and learn from others around you... RayJ Dennis was given his chance, but injuries crept in, forcing him out of the starting 5 
. That's life, folks, we all face setbacks and disappointments 
.
, and reminds us that there's always another chance for redemption 
... his story's not unlike ours, he's worked hard to get here, made sacrifices, and now it's time to shine 
. We can all learn from his determination and resilience 
.
... so let's take a cue from Thompson's two-year deal: it's not just about us, it's about how our actions impact those around us 
. We can choose to be supportive, to lift each other up, or to tear each other down 
.
, and believe in ourselves 
, that's when the magic happens 
, and get ready to shine on our own terms 
!
just heard about Ethan Thompson signing with the Pacers 
totally stoked for him! He's gotta love his game 
and it's awesome he gets to join a team that wants to see him succeed 
! With his two-way deal, he's gonna bring that NBA juice to Noblesville Boom too 
. Monte Morris just paves the way for more players like Ethan to shine 
. Can't wait to see him crush it on the court with jersey number 55 
. It's just that Ethan Thompson brings more value to their team right now 
. Two years of development time should make 'em a much stronger unit by 2026-27 
. Can't wait to see how he fits in 
!
. With Thompson on board, they'll be able to cover more ground, especially with those key players still sidelined 
. Now we get to see if this 24-year-old Puerto Rican native can live up to his hype and shine in the NBA