James Wiseman waived by Pacers — and fans can’t stop talking about it

James Wiseman waived by Pacers — three words that landed like a gut punch to anyone who still believed the 7-footer would finally find his rhythm in the NBA.

One minute, he’s back on the court, fighting for a comeback after injuries that derailed his young career. Next, he’s off the roster, replaced by dunk-contest darling Mac McClung.

It’s the kind of move that makes you stop mid-scroll and think: how did we get here?

James Wiseman waived by Pacers — another tough twist in a rocky journey

The Indiana Pacers officially cut ties with Wiseman on October 27, according to ESPN, to make room for McClung. On paper, it’s just business. But emotionally? It stings.

This was supposed to be the next chapter — a fresh start for the former No. 2 overall pick who once carried the weight of future-franchise-savior expectations. Instead, it’s another line in the story of a career that’s been more stop-and-start than anyone imagined.

Wiseman, who joined Indiana after stints with the Warriors and Pistons, had barely settled in before the team needed to shuffle its roster. The timing feels cruel. He’d only recently worked his way back from a long Achilles rehab — a brutal injury that can end careers.

And just like that, he’s on the move again.

From promise to pause — where does Wiseman go from here?

It’s wild to think it’s been only a few years since Wiseman’s name was called second overall in the 2020 NBA Draft — a pick meant to anchor Golden State’s post-Dynasty rebuild. Back then, he had everything: the size, the soft hands, the potential.

But potential doesn’t always translate to production. Injuries, inconsistency, and constant team shifts chipped away at his confidence. Each new jersey brought new expectations. And now, at 24, he’s already fighting for another shot.

Sports Illustrated’s FastBreak listed him among the “top free-agent centers” after Indiana’s decision. Translation: he’s still talented enough to draw interest — but he’s running out of opportunities to prove it.

You can’t help but feel for him. The league moves fast, and for players like Wiseman, patience is a luxury no one can afford.

Fans react — frustration, sympathy, and a little heartbreak

If you wandered onto Reddit or X (formerly Twitter) after the news broke, you’d see it right away: fans are feeling this one.

“Man, this might be it for Big Jim,” one Warriors fan wrote.
“Still rooting for him, but the league’s not waiting.”

There’s disappointment, sure, but also a wave of understanding. Everyone saw how much time Wiseman lost to injury — the kind of grind that messes with both your game and your head.

And even as Pacers fans celebrate McClung’s signing, there’s this bittersweet edge in the comments: we never really got to see what Wiseman could’ve been.

That’s the part that lingers — the “what if.”

A glimpse of what’s next

Now, the question becomes: what does James Wiseman do from here?

He could land another NBA tryout — perhaps a rebuilding team willing to bet on his upside. Or maybe, like many former top picks before him, he heads overseas or to the G League to rediscover his rhythm.

Wherever he goes, fans will follow. There’s still a small but loyal corner of basketball Twitter that refuses to give up on him.

Because despite the headlines, the numbers, and the disappointment, there’s still something about Wiseman — that quiet hope that he just needs the right place to finally fit.

The emotional weight behind the move

There’s a human story here that stats can’t tell. A player who’s been called a “bust” more times than he deserves. A 7-foot-tall reminder that talent alone doesn’t guarantee timing, health, or opportunity.

For the Pacers, it’s a roster move. For Wiseman, it’s another crossroad — and maybe his toughest yet.

But if the past few years have shown anything, it’s that he doesn’t quit easily.

And in a league that loves a comeback story, maybe — just maybe — there’s still one waiting for him.

James Wiseman’s journey has never been simple. From being hailed as a generational big man to being waived before Halloween, it’s been a ride full of highs, heartbreak, and hard lessons.

But every player has that defining “pivot moment.” This might be his.

Here’s hoping the next time we hear his name, it’s followed by the words “signed” — not “waived.”

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