The Indiana Pacers had a few priorities this offseason, one of which included adding bench shooters. Of the few weaknesses the Pacers did have this past season, shooting, especially off the pine would be considered one of them. Hoping to fix that, the team has signed Damjan Rudez to a three-year contract.
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Rudez, 27, most recently played for Zaragoza of the Spanish ACB and was one of the best shooters in the league. A 6’10 stretch forward, Rudez will be able to play both small and power forward in the NBA though will likely struggle on the defensive end regardless of position, though he will likely be better served at the small forward position.
Rudez’s contract details weren’t released, though Yahoo Sports says part of the Indiana Pacers mid-level exception was used to sign the Croatian native.
While Rudez’s name may sound unfamiliar to most, he was highly coveted among NBA front offices as the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz were all said to have interest in signing the young forward. Why he decided upon the Pacers is unknown, though I’m sure the folks in Indiana have to be happy about it as he’ll provide instant offense off the Pacers bench this season.
In addition to Rudez, the Indiana Pacers have also shown interest in signing C.J. Miles, however such a desire may fizzle out given the franchises newest addition.