Former Indiana shooter Zeisloft lands Pacers contract
Former Indiana guard, Nick Zeisloft, has agreed to a contract with the Indiana Pacers which reportedly guarantees $25K, and an invitation to their training camp.
This agreement came as a surprise to most, due to Zeisloft’s absence in the NBA Summer League, where many players in his situation hope to prove their worth. Making the Pacers roster isn’t a realistic option for the 24 year old sharp-shooter from La Grange, IL, but he may be able to earn a spot on their D-League team, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
Nick Zeisloft > ✍ > @Pacers
Congrats Z! #iubb pic.twitter.com/m8k2YNYqp2
— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) September 8, 2016
While Zeisloft does possess a lethal shot from beyond the arc, he was inconsistent throughout his senior year. In their early Big Ten season win against Rutgers, he was an abysmal 1-6 from behind the arc. In their home game against Ohio State, he failed to connect on any of his seven shots from deep.
Feb 2, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Nick Zeisloft (2) reacts to a basket in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines t Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
His “shoot first think later” type of mentality will earn him a spot in Hoosier faithful’s hearts, and everyone will wish him the best, but he simply does not have the versatility to make it in the NBA. He is a decent defender, at best, and has trouble creating shots for himself inside the arc. There is no way he could set up offenses or be able to dribble well enough to shake defenders. Even a player like JR Smith, who has made a name for himself as a three-point shooter, can drive to the lane every once and a while.
Zeisloft averaged just under 20 minutes a game, 6.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and .8 assists. He shot 42% from deep, and 44% on the few 2-point attempts he took.
Best case scenario is that Zeisloft makes a name for himself in the D-League as a deep threat. We could see the likes of Yogi Ferrell, Troy Williams, and Nick Zeisloft all playing against each other. Ferrell signed a contract with the Brooklyn Nets, and Williams with the Memphis Grizzlies, though both will probably be sent to their respective development leagues.
This was a low-risk, high-reward move for the Pacers. They pay him a small sum and maybe he works hard enough to improve the other aspects of his game. No one is questioning his shot efficiency, so maybe they plan on having him come off the bench for the Mad Ants. Regardless, congratulations to Zeisloft, who few thought would land an NBA deal.
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