If centre Alex Len clears waivers, the Pacers will sign him to cover their available roster slot. The three-team transaction that sent guard Marcus Smart to Washington also included Len’s trade from the Kings to the Wizards. As reported by ESPN, the Wizards plan to waive Len. A waiver clearance is still required before the Pacers can sign him.
Len, played in 36 games for the Kings this season, although he was selected 5th overall in the 2013 draft out of Maryland, the 7 ft, forward has only averaged double-figure scoring once in his career, in 2018–19. Since 2021–22, Len has not averaged more than 2.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, or 9.3 minutes per game in a season. His career shooting percentage is 51.0%, and he averages 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game. He has made 111 3-pointers in his career, although 74 of them were in 2018–19, and he has only made one in the last three seasons combined.
12-Year NBA Player Reportedly Signed by Indiana Pacers
Alex Len had been playing for the Sacramento Kings throughout the midst of his fourth consecutive season. In 36 games, the former Maryland standout was shooting 53.7% from the field and averaged 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. ESPN’s Shams Charania says that he will now be released following his trade to the Washington Wizards.
Len was selected 5th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft and during his 12th seasons with Kings. Over 680 games, he shot 51.0% from the field and 32.2% from three-point range, averaging 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He may receive an offer from the Pacers for a multi-year contract that is not guaranteed.
Indiana Pacers can sign centre Alex Len
As per news, Washington Wizards have agreed to waive Alex Len, who is ready to join Indiana Pacers after clearing waivers. During the trade deadline, Len joined the Wizards when the Memphis Grizzlies transferred Marvin Bagley III and Johnny Davis to the Kings in a three-team transaction. The injured James Wiseman was sent to Toronto by Indiana on Thursday, clearing a space on the roster. Additionally, the Pacers sent Toronto monetary considerations. Although the Pacers also earned a trade exemption, Indiana was given a late, well-protected 2026 draft selection that is unlikely to be conveyed.
Who is Len?
Len is the perfect example of a real professional, having served for 12 years. Despite his ability to accomplish more, he is a very workmanlike person who just performs what is required. He will play for the Pacers for the sixth different team. Since the Kings decided to deploy Trey Lyles as their primary backup behind Domantas Sabonis, Len has not played much despite spending the past four seasons in Sactown.
He has shown to be a skilled defender, low-post scorer, and high-quality rim protector. Over 31 games, the 31-year-old averaged 1.4 points on 53.7% shooting and 1.7 rebounds in seven minutes. Despite averaging just 16 minutes each game in his three starts, he was far more effective.
How will Len contribute to the Pacers?
Due to season-ending injuries sustained by Isaiah Jackson and Wiseman in the opening few weeks of the season, Indiana has required backup behind star centre Myles Turner. Of course, Thomas Bryant was acquired by the Pacers. Since joining the squad from the Heat in mid-December, Bryant has been reliable. Len is expected to fill in in at the five injury/emergency instances. Due to a neck issue, Turner is not playing in the Lakers game at the moment. However, according to Rick Carlisle, Turner is regarded as daily and is not subject to concussion protocol.
Indiana (29–22) will not play until Tuesday when the Pacers visit New York, so Len should start behind Bryant if Turner is unable to play against the Knicks. As a result, Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin who are genuinely unfit for the five and must spend little to no time at center are no longer needed. Siakam is best as a power forward, although he has a lot of experience playing centre for Toronto.
Since he does not require plays, the 7-foot, 245-pound player will probably wait for a putback or lob from Tyrese Haliburton near the rim. Among his greatest strengths is his skill as a screener, but more importantly, he excels at all the little things. Len is a tough defender who is not scared to spice things up a little and will go for it on that end. His ability to challenge shots is strong, and he is ready to assist.