Things changed quickly for Indiana once Tyrese Haliburton went down. Andrew Nembhard is sliding into the lead guard spot full-time, while the Pacers chased Kobe Bufkin as a backup option. Brooklyn, however, beat them to the signing, leaving Indiana to search for another answer. At last, the Pacers’ hunt for backcourt help appears to be settled.

The Indiana Pacers are turning to experience to stabilize their backcourt, bringing in Monte Morris on a one-year deal. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, “Free agent guard Monte Morris has agreed to a one-year deal with the Indiana Pacers, Andy Shiffman and Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tell ESPN. Entering his ninth NBA season, Morris provides backcourt depth to the Pacers.” Now 30, Morris arrives after a season with the Phoenix Suns, where he appeared in 45 games and averaged 5.2 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 rebounds.

For those keeping track, this isn’t Morris’ first stop around the league. Drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2017, he carved out five seasons there before making stints with the Wizards, Timberwolves, Pistons, and, most recently, the Suns. His deal in Indiana isn’t fully guaranteed, and as ClutchPoints reported, he’ll be fighting for a 15-man roster spot in training camp. Still, with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined, he offers Rick Carlisle a proven veteran option at a time when stability is at a premium.

Morris himself has leaned into leadership, even when playing smaller roles. Reflecting about last year, he said, “Just coming in, guys see me at coming in here at all hours. Once I’m playing or not, I’ve been the same guy full of joy, pushing guys and pushing myself. I think that’s the big thing I’ve seen from myself.” That presence could be exactly what Indiana needs while it reshapes its rotation.

But Morris isn’t the Pacers’ only offseason addition to the backcourt. In June, they also signed Kam Jones, a second-team All-American out of Marquette. Jones has the ability to run the point behind Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell, while also sliding off the ball when Haliburton returns. He told ESPN’s Monica McNutt after being drafted, “I’m just ready to get to Naptown and get to work.”

Jones gives the Pacers another layer of depth. He’s a creative passer, an excellent finisher around the rim, and has shown he can heat up from three—shooting 40.6% as a junior before dipping to 31.1% his senior year. Defensively, his willingness to pressure full-court fits right into Indiana’s style. Add in his toughness, honed by his training as a boxer, and you can see why the Pacers believe he can carve out a role. Together, Morris’ steady veteran hand and Jones’ youthful versatility may just give Indiana the balance it needs while navigating life without its All-Star point guard.

Pacers say goodbye to Thomas Bryant

The Pacers made headlines by adding Monte Morris to shore up their backcourt, but they also watched one of their key big men walk out the door. Thomas Bryant, who played an important reserve role in Indiana’s Finals run, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to ESPN. That move leaves the Pacers with depth at center but without the veteran presence Bryant brought off the bench.

Bryant’s journey last season was anything but ordinary. Acquired in December after both Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman went down with Achilles injuries, the former Indiana Hoosier slid into the backup role behind Myles Turner. He appeared in 56 games, averaging 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds, and chipped in clutch playoff moments—including nine points in the series-clinching win over Cleveland and 11 against the Knicks to send Indiana to the Finals.

Over eight NBA seasons with the Lakers, Wizards, Nuggets, Heat, and Pacers, the 6-foot-10 center has averaged 8.9 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting over 58% from the floor. So, where does that leave Indiana now? With Haliburton sidelined, the projected starting five looks set: Andrew Nembhard at point guard, Ben Sheppard at shooting guard, Aaron Nesmith on the wing, Jarace Walker at power forward, and Myles Turner anchoring the middle. It’s a new-look lineup, one that mixes youth with experience, and fans will be eager to see how it comes together without Bryant in the fold.