NBA Rumors: Pacers Injury Woes Could Spark Reunion With Two Former Veterans

The Indiana Pacers are in a bit of a hole with the injury bug creating problems for their 2021-22 NBA campaign.

Edmond Sumner has been ruled out for the season (torn Achilles) while TJ Warren is still out indefinitely with a foot fracture. Hence, the Pacers have two roster spots that need addressing.

There was no mention if there are other candidates that Kevin Pritchard and Rick Carlisle are considering. If not, the free-agent market may not offer some good replacements.

Most of the top names have already signed with new teams, leaving the Pacers with whittled options.

However, there are two veteran names that Indiana may consider. Darren Collison and Lance Stephenson, two players who once donned the Pacers uniform are embarking on a comeback. They may not align with the Pacers young roster but the experience could come in handy for Carlisle.

Collison is ironically trying to make an NBA return after a short retirement. He called it quits in June 2019 citing religious reasons behind it. There remains growing interest in the 34-year-old guard but it is only now that he (surprisingly) decided to make a return.

Collison was one of the players who got a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers. But with Rajon Rondo back in the fold, the 6-foot guard’s chances may have fizzled.

Lance Stephenson, another player who had two stints with the Pacers, is another veteran on the NBA comeback trail. He last suited up for the Lakers during the 2018-19 season before bringing his act to the Chinese Basketball Association with the Liaoning Flying Tigers.

Unless the Pacers can find better options, giving Collison and Stephenson a look may not hurt. They could offer a short-term contract to either player and see how things pan up for the coming NBA season.