The Indiana Pacers will be without rookie guard Kam Jones for an extended stretch.
Head coach Rick Carlisle told media on Monday that “Pacers rookie Kam Jones, the 38th overall pick in this year’s draft, will be sidelined for several weeks due to a back injury.”
The update came through Carlisle’s comments shared by Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.
The team is also monitoring the health of Ben Sheppard, a third-year wing, who will be absent from the Pacers’ first preseason contest.
As Carlisle explained, “Ben Sheppard will miss Tuesday’s preseason opener due to an undisclosed injury.” Unlike Jones, though, Sheppard’s issue appears less concerning, with Carlisle making it clear that “Sheppard should be available soon.”
Still, the timeline for Jones raises questions about his availability to start the season. Carlisle noted that “it sounds as if Jones probably won’t be ready to return by the time Indiana’s regular season schedule tips off on October 23 vs. Oklahoma City.”
With two backcourt players unavailable at the moment, there could be ripple effects on roster battles. The injuries may create an opening for veteran guard Delon Wright, who is fighting to make the team.
As the report highlights, “with a pair of players in the Pacers’ backcourt banged up, it’s possible veteran guard Delon Wright’s chances of making the regular season roster have increased.”
Wright is currently on a non-guaranteed deal, as is center Tony Bradley, and both are thought to be “competing for the final spot on the team’s 15-man squad.”
Injury Notes: K. Jones, Sheppard, Sarr, Gafford, Suns https://t.co/6ZqySvduNT pic.twitter.com/KSEAFUncg9
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 6, 2025
