3 reasons why Oscar Tshiebwe is a perfect fit for the Pacers

1. A rebuilding team is the right place to go

I can’t understate how important it is for Tshiebwe to be on a team in rebuild mode. The Pacers went 35-47 last season, missing out on the play-in tournament by six games. Despite Tyrese Haliburton making the NBA All-Star Game, the Pacers couldn’t figure out a way to win consistently. They never had a winning streak longer than five games, but also never lost more than seven in a row. It was a good example of mediocracy.

Because of that, Indiana put a lot of stock into the 2023 NBA Draft, drafting four players, and signing three more to deals after the draft. That’s where Tshiebwe falls into place.

The Kentucky basketball big man will try and earn a spot alongside six other rookies. With the exception of Walker, who was a lottery pick, everyone else is in the same boat. There will be a lot of competition to see who puts forth the most skill and the most potential to try and turn the ship around in Indiana.

For someone like Tshiebwe, I’d argue that’s the best type of team to land with. Most playoff teams aren’t looking to add depth pieces and develop undrafted players. I can think of a few exceptions, like Caleb Martin and Fred VanVleet. But generally, someone in Tshiebwe’s situation will benefit from a low-pressure situation where there’s less of a rush to develop into the player his team needs. It’s all about the patience behind the product.

Of course, there is still a small sense of urgency for Tshiebwe. After spending two years at West Virginia and two more with Kentucky basketball, he’s set to turn 24 in November. In most career paths, that screams potential. In sports, it’s the exact opposite. Tshiebwe’s window is closing, but he should benefit from being able to grow into his role on a team that isn’t rushing to win a championship this year.