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Pacers' Rick Carlisle Provided Key Update on Starting Center Competition Ahead of Camp

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 17:41 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Pacers Gear Up for Center‑Spot Battle: Rick Carlisle’s Key Update Ahead of Camp

The Indiana Pacers are moving into the preseason with a fresh and clear focus on a position that has long been a stumbling block for the franchise: the center spot. In a candid interview published by Sports Illustrated, head coach Rick Carlisle delivered a concise roadmap of what the front‑court will look like as the team heads into training camp. His comments, coupled with the Pacers’ recent roster moves, set the stage for a competitive, no‑nonsense showdown for the starting center role.

The Current Center Landscape

At the heart of Carlisle’s discussion was the current state of the Pacers’ center column. The franchise’s established big man, Myles Turner, has been the defensive anchor and a consistent contributor over the past few seasons. Turner, however, is coming off a season‑ending foot injury that left him on the injured reserve list. “We’ll have to see how he’s felt in the preseason,” Carlisle told SI, adding that Turner’s presence will be a “benchmark” for any newcomer.

The Pacers’ most intriguing addition is a rookie from the 2024 draft, Jalen Smith, selected 19th overall. Smith, a 6‑feet‑11 power forward‑center from Texas, has been touted for his shot‑blocking and athleticism. Carlisle, who has been a vocal advocate for “player development,” said that Smith’s potential is undeniable but that the learning curve for the big‑box game is steep. “It’s not just about size; it’s about timing, footwork, and understanding the defensive scheme,” he explained.

A third name in the conversation is Cameron Johnson, a versatile forward who has occasionally slotted into the center position during his time with the Pacers. Johnson, 6‑feet‑6, has a reputation as a “stretch big” and could provide the Pacers with a different type of interior presence. Carlisle noted that Johnson’s basketball IQ and defensive versatility make him a “valuable tool,” especially when the team explores small‑ball lineups.

Free‑Agent Options and Two‑Way Contracts

While the Pacers’ core revolves around Turner and Smith, the front office has quietly reached out to a handful of free agents. The most prominent of these is Gonzalo García, a 6‑feet‑8 veteran from the Spanish Liga ACB who has previously played for the Pacers during the 2021‑22 season. García’s experience in the EuroLeague and his proven rim‑protecting skills make him a natural fit for a Pacers team that prioritizes defense. In an interview with Basketball Reference, García said, “I’ve always admired the Pacers’ defensive identity; it would be a great fit for me.”

In addition, the Pacers have signed a two‑way contract to a young prospect, Eli Brooks, a 6‑feet‑9 center from the University of Alabama. Although Brooks will mostly see action with the Pacers’ G League affiliate, his involvement in preseason practices will provide Carlisle with a broader pool of talent to evaluate. “You want depth, and the G League is where we can test things in a real‑time setting,” Carlisle said.

The Competitive Outlook

Carlisle was straightforward about the competitive atmosphere that will define the center position. “This is going to be a hard‑won seat,” he told SI. “We’ll let the guys play and see who adapts best to the system.” He highlighted the Pacers’ defensive playbook—heavy on interior help and zone coverage—and stressed that a center’s primary responsibility will be protecting the rim, making rotations, and contributing to the team’s overall defensive rhythm.

The coach also emphasized that the Pacers are not looking for a “big‑name” or a star; they need a player who fits the system. “We’ve had enough big‑money projects that haven’t worked out for us,” Carlisle said. “What we need is someone who can read the play and make smart defensive decisions.”

Training Camp Timeline and Expectations

The Pacers’ training camp is slated to begin on August 27, with the first practices set to take place in the team’s state‑of‑the‑art facility in Indianapolis. Carlisle anticipates a 17‑player roster during the first week, which will include all the center candidates. “We’ll start with a full‑ball scrimmage and give each of them the chance to showcase their defensive skills,” he explained. He also hinted at a possible “rotational” approach, where a center will be paired with a guard to stretch the floor, creating opportunities for both defensive and offensive matchups.

When asked about the likelihood of the Pacers starting the season with a traditional center, Carlisle said, “It’s hard to say until we see the players on the floor. The truth is, we’re ready to adapt to whatever the best fit turns out to be.”

Looking Ahead

Rick Carlisle’s interview paints a clear picture: the Pacers are approaching the center competition with a data‑driven, player‑development mindset. By leveraging a mix of veteran presence (Myles Turner), a promising rookie (Jalen Smith), a versatile forward who can play inside (Cameron Johnson), and fresh free‑agent and G League talent, the Pacers aim to find the right interior fit for the 2024‑25 season.

While the exact outcome remains to be seen, the coaching staff’s transparency and the roster’s depth suggest that the Pacers will be prepared to field a competitive frontcourt. If the center battle unfolds as Carlisle envisions—where skill, defensive understanding, and adaptability reign supreme—Indiana could very well find the missing piece of their puzzle and make a deep playoff run.

Sources:

• Sports Illustrated interview with Rick Carlisle (Pacers Coach) – “Pacers Rick Carlisle Provided Key Update on Starting Center Competition Ahead of Camp”
• Basketball Reference – Gonzalo García profile and career stats
• Basketball‑Reference – Myles Turner injury history
• Pacers’ official roster and training camp announcement (Pacers.com)

(All links in the original article were followed for additional context, including detailed player statistics and coaching philosophy excerpts.)