Oscar Tshiebwe signs two-way deal with Indiana Pacers

Oscar Tshiebwe‘s NBA home is not far from his old Kentucky home. Shams Charania reports that Oscar agreed to a two-way deal with the Indiana Pacers. The former Kentucky center worked out for the club in Indianapolis just ten days ago. In Indy, he will reunite with fellow former Wildcat Isaiah Jackson, who was on the team when Oscar transferred in from West Virginia during the 2020-21 season. The Pacers selected Jackson with the No. 22 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Oscar was not taken in last night’s NBA Draft, becoming the first Naismith Award winner in history to not be drafted. It was a tough night for traditional big men in general, with Oscar, Gonzaga center Drew Timme, and UConn’s Adama Sanogo all going undrafted. Timme ended up signing an Exhibit 10 deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, while Sanogo agreed to a two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls.

Kentucky’s four NBA Draft prospects have all either been drafted or signed deals with teams. Last night, Cason Wallace went No. 10 to the Dallas Mavericks and was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Chris Livingston went to the Milwaukee Bucks with the final pick of the draft, No. 58. Like Oscar, Jacob Toppin was not drafted but signed a two-way deal with the New York Knicks.

“I was disappointed Oscar (Tshiebwe) and Jacob (Toppin) didn’t get drafted but they will have a chance to prove themselves in this league because they’re both guys who will impact winning,” John Calipari said in a press release last night.

Oscar finished his second season in Lexington and fourth college season overall averaging 16.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest. His first year at Kentucky was one of the most dominant in recent memory, as he averaged 17.4 points, 15.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks per contest, and swept the national player of the year honors. Instead of returning to school for a final season, he decided to bet on himself and go pro.

“I believe there will be a team that is going to really need me (to) help them,” Tshiebwe said following his workout with the Pacers earlier this month. “I fight for rebounds, I outrun everybody, I fight for position to help my team win.”

“Even if my name (isn’t) called, I will still trust God because I know he’s going to have better plans,” Tshiebwe said. “I believe I’ll be in the NBA and I’ll help a team to win a championship one day.”

Oscar will likely compete in the NBA Summer League and, with his two-way deal, spend time with the Pacers’ G-League team, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Go get ’em, Oscar.