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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 22: T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers leaps to pass against (L-R) ... [+] Tony Bradley #13, Javonte Green #24 and Troy Brown Jr. #7 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on November 22, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers plan to sign center Tony Bradley to a 10-day contract.
Bradley, 27, last played in the NBA during the 2022-23 season when he was with the Chicago Bulls. The big man was a first-round draft pick in 2017 and has bounced around various franchises, including the Bulls, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Philadelphia 76ers.
The North Carolina product is best known for his ability on the glass – he’s pulled in over 12 rebounds per 36 minutes in each season of his career. He pulled in 15 boards in one game while with the 76ers in 2021.
“He’s got a good feel how to play, he’s smart,,” Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said of Bradley in 2021. “[He]
brings energy, and that’s what we really need from that second unit is energy.”
For his career, Bradley has averaged 4.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. He has knocked down 63.1% of his field goals, including 71.8% of his shot attempts from inside three feet.
Bradley rarely takes jump shots and has more games played than assists in his career. He doesn’t offer much in terms of spacing or shot creation. But that has never been his role or something he is asked to do – the Florida native is typically asked to rebound, finish at the cup, and move on defense. If he can do that with the Pacers, he will help.
Why are the Pacers signing Tony Bradley?
Indiana needs another big man, and they are looking for the right fit. The team lost two centers – James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson – to Achilles tears early in the season and have been limited with their depth in the months since then. Fortunately, starting five Myles Turner and reserve Thomas Bryant have been healthy for much of the season, but the Pacers have been one injury or foul-filled night away from trouble on the interior.
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