The Indiana Pacers added frontcourt depth on Tuesday by signing Gabe McGlothan to a 10-day hardship contract, turning to their G League pipeline during a difficult stretch of the season. NBA insider Shams Charania reported the move on Tuesday.
“The Indiana Pacers are signing forward Gabe McGlothan to a 10-day hardship contract from of their G League affiliate, sources tell ESPN,” Charania tweeted. “McGlothan has spent his pro seasons in the G League after going undrafted out of Grand Canyon University in 2024.”
Indiana enters the move at 6-20, searching for lineup stability while managing injuries and rotation turnover. The hardship exception gives the Pacers flexibility without a long-term commitment as they evaluate internal options.
McGlothan, 26, has been productive with the Noblesville Boom this season. He is averaging 16.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals in 33.8 minutes while shooting 52.6 percent from the field across 14 games.
Those numbers stand out for a Pacers team that has leaned heavily on Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin for scoring. Siakam leads the club at 23.8 points per game, while Mathurin adds 20.1, leaving limited consistent production behind them.
From a basketball standpoint, McGlothan profiles as an energy forward who rebounds and finishes plays rather than creating offense. Indiana ranks near the bottom of the league in second-chance scoring, making his rebounding presence a practical short-term addition.
The signing also brings McGlothan back into an organization familiar with his game. He was waived by the Pacers on October 18 after training camp, then joined the Boom and remained in the team’s developmental system.
Before arriving in Indiana’s orbit, McGlothan’s professional path included stops with Denver’s Summer League team and the Grand Rapids Gold. He was traded to Noblesville on August 1 before earning a regular-season role with the Boom.
Hardship contracts often serve as extended auditions, especially for teams outside the playoff picture. For McGlothan, the opportunity provides NBA minutes against top competition and a chance to prove his production can translate.
Indiana’s roster already features several young forwards, including Jarace Walker and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, but injuries and inconsistent availability have opened minutes. A 10-day window allows the Pacers to address immediate needs without altering long-term plans.
