The Indiana Pacers have made a decisive move to bolster their roster by bringing in promising forwards Samson Johnson and Gabe McGlothan. These acquisitions, finalized through Exhibit 10 contracts, signal the team's commitment to nurturing young talent within their G League system. The duo will be joining the Noblesville Boom, the Pacers' affiliate, following the recent departures of guards Steven Ashworth and R.J. Felton.
Indiana Pacers Bolster Roster with Emerging Talent for Upcoming Season
In a strategic development on September 23, 2025, the Indiana Pacers officially announced the signing of Samson Johnson and Gabe McGlothan to Exhibit 10 contracts. This move was made in conjunction with the team's decision to waive guards Steven Ashworth and R.J. Felton. Both Johnson and McGlothan have been subsequently assigned to the Noblesville Boom, the Pacers' G League affiliate, indicating a clear focus on player development within the organization.
Samson Johnson, a formidable 6-foot-9 forward/center, brings a wealth of collegiate experience from UConn, where he spent four seasons. In his final year, the 2024–25 season, Johnson emerged as a full-time starter, demonstrating significant growth. Across 34 games, he maintained an average of 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per contest, showcasing remarkable efficiency with a 76.6% field goal percentage. His tenure at UConn highlighted a consistent improvement in his game, particularly in shooting accuracy and defensive capabilities. During the 2025 NBA Summer League, Johnson continued to impress, averaging 3.0 points and 1.5 rebounds over 8.1 minutes per game.
Gabe McGlothan, a versatile 6-foot-7 forward, entered the professional ranks after going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. He previously played for the Grand Rapids Gold, where he averaged 9.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. His shooting percentages were notable, with 44.6% from the field and an impressive 38.3% from beyond the arc. McGlothan's journey to the Noblesville Boom involved a three-team G League trade in August. His performance in the 2025 Summer League further underscored his potential, as he contributed 4.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game, displaying his ability to space the floor effectively.
These roster adjustments come at a crucial time for the Pacers, who are facing significant challenges for the 2025–26 season. Star player Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss the entire season due to a torn Achilles, while Myles Turner has departed to join the Milwaukee Bucks. The absences of these key players mean the team will lean heavily on the talent development within its G League system, making the integration and growth of players like Johnson and McGlothan even more vital.
Exhibit 10 contracts offer a valuable pathway for players to gain professional experience in the G League while maintaining the possibility of an NBA call-up. This system allows teams to evaluate and develop prospects in a competitive environment, providing a flexible mechanism for roster management and talent pipeline cultivation.
The Indiana Pacers' strategic focus on Exhibit 10 contracts and G League development reflects a pragmatic approach to team building, particularly in the face of significant roster changes. By investing in young, promising talent like Samson Johnson and Gabe McGlothan, the organization is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying a foundation for future success. This emphasis on internal growth and a robust development pipeline could prove crucial for the team's resilience and competitive edge in the seasons to come, highlighting the importance of every opportunity for these emerging athletes.
