Zeisloft (15), Poythress (4) watch the team scrimmage in practice.
The Indiana Pacers waived forward Alex Poythress and guard Nick Zeisloft Monday afternoon. Both undrafted free agents participated in practice earlier in the day.
Poythress and Zeisloft had each been working out at Bankers Life Fieldhouse for about two months, and they lasted three weeks in training camp. This opportunity allowed them to take part in an NBA training camp, learn the Pacers’ system, and improve under the guidance of All-Star players and veterans alike.
“Going through the draft process, [the Pacers] really liked me,” Poythress said in August. “I’m just trying to make best of this opportunity.”
Poythress appeared in two preseason games and scored one point. Zeisloft played 68 seconds — in Chicago on Oct. 8 — and he missed a 3-point attempt.
More: Nick Zeisloft discusses his opportunity with the Pacers
Both are headed for the NBA Development League. And that was the plan all along.
By signing them to non-guaranteed camp deals, the Pacers retain their rights for the D-League. This will be the second season that Indiana has owned its own franchise, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Steve Gansey, the Mad Ants head coach, attended nearly every practice and he participated in the coaches meetings.
[Jhared Simpson hired as Mad Ants assistant coach]
Poythress’ camp guarantee was $35,381 while Zeisloft earned $35,381, per league sources.
The Pacers’ roster now stands at 17, including 16 guaranteed contracts for the upcoming season. The team must make two additional moves in the next week to finalize their opening night roster.
The Pacers open the 2016-17 season at home against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 26.