Enrique

Freeman

Freeman was with the team previously, so the familiarity was likely a factor in making this deal happen. Freeman will be a depth option at the forward spot, but on a two-way deal, he likely won’t appear in enough games to be much of a factor.

Selected by the Pacers in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Freeman made a major impact in 2025 Summer League action with averages of 16.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.

After appearing in 22 games for the Pacers as a two-way player last season, Freeman was in Las Vegas this week as an unrestricted free agent. The 6-foot-7 forward finished his summer league with a solid effort against the Pelicans, recording a double-double while missing just one shot from the field. The foul shooting wasn’t the best, but Freeman’s activity in the frontcourt makes up for that deficiency. The Pacers have one open two-way spot, and Freeman may have helped his chances of filling the void next season.

The Pacers have only used two of their three two-way contracts for the 2025-26 season, and Freeman is among the players in Las Vegas competing for the final spot. His performance against the Thunder was a step in the right direction, with the former Kent State standout recording a double-double on 80 percent shooting from the field. Freeman played in 22 games for the Pacers as a rookie, and he isn’t someone worth considering in fantasy drafts. But, a good run in Las Vegas could get him another two-way deal or an Exhibit 10 that would guarantee him a training camp invite.

Freeman will not be available for Saturday’s game, but his availability does not impact fantasy basketball. The rookie power forward is not in the Pacers’ rotation when healthy.

Turner is back after a one-game absence, with his return being much-needed for the Pacers. Enrique Freeman heads to the bench in a move that will not impact fantasy basketball, as the rookie was not worth the risk as a streamer on Monday.

With Myles Turner and Ben Sheppard both sidelined for this game, Walker and Freeman will both get the first starts of their careers. Indiana’s rotation will be pretty different due to the number of injuries, and there should be plenty of minutes for both players.

Playing in front of many family members and former teammates, the former Akron standout had a good night in Cleveland. Unfortunately, Freeman wasn’t on the floor for the conclusion due to an apparent right leg injury. The good news is that it appeared to be a case of cramps, so there’s no need for long-term concern. As for his fantasy prospects in 2024-25, it will be difficult for Freeman to crack what is a loaded Pacers rotation. He’s likely to play most of his minutes with the team’s G League affiliate.

While he may not have attended a high-profile school, Freeman is one of the most accomplished collegians in this draft class. A three-time All-MAC selection at Akron, he won MAC Player of the Year honors this past season and helped lead the Zips to the NCAA tournament. Freeman’s fifth season was his best, as he averaged 18.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 32.5 minutes per game. While Freeman shot 37% from three last season, he did so on 1.5 attempts per game. Despite standing at 6-foot-7, Freeman possessed high-level defensive abilities, and that may be where his “bread” needs to be buttered if he’s to stick in the NBA. Freeman will likely have a tough time carving out a role as a rookie behind the likes of Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin for a Pacers team that was a few wins away from reaching the 2024 NBA Finals, so fantasy managers shouldn’t expect too much from him in year one.