National Basketball Association

Indiana Pacers Sign and Then Immediately Waive Ben Bentil

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Indiana Pacers announced on Monday morning that they signed Ben Bentil to a contract. Hours later, they waived him.

Around 10:45 am, the Indiana Pacers sent out a press release noting that they had signed Providence College product Ben Bentil. A little less than six hours later, they sent out another statement: Bentil has been waived.

Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed, so the rationale behind the moves remains unclear. Regardless, Bentil is expected to play for the Pacers’ D-League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

The Pacers brought in Bentil for a pre-draft workout in June. He was selected 51st overall by the Boston Celtics, but he never really had a great shot at making the team. He was fighting with guys like James Young and R.J. Hunter for the final roster spots. Bentil was officially waived just a couple of days ago.

He is an impressive big man. He’s has skills in the pick-and-roll and can stretch the floor. He also has some strength and length — which is something all NBA teams look at these days.

During his sophomore season with Providence, Bentil averaged 21.1 points per game. He shot 46.2% from the field, and 32.9% from deep. He and Kris Dunn made a great duo. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Bentil is his scoring versatility. He can score from anywhere on the floor.

Bentil needs to get better defensively, however, and is a bit under-sized for a big man. Attacking the glass with more ferociousness would help him out.

Presuming he does end up in Fort Wayne, he could put up some big numbers. He will definitely be a player to monitor at the very least, as he joins Alex Poythress, Julyan Stone, and Nick Zeisloft as members of the Mad Ants.

He fits what the Pacers and Larry Bird want to do. So maybe he will have a spot on this team in the future if he impresses.