Pacers Navigating Two-Way Contract Puzzle

Managing player availability and development down the stretch of the NBA season

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:31am

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The Indiana Pacers are facing challenges in managing their two-way contract players, Jalen Slawson, Ethan Thompson, and Taelon Peter, as the NBA season nears its conclusion. The two-way contract system, designed to develop talent and provide roster flexibility, presents unique challenges for teams like the Pacers who must strategically allocate playing time for these players within the 50-game limit.

Why it matters

The Pacers' situation highlights a growing trend in the NBA, where teams must carefully balance player development with remaining competitive down the stretch. The strategic management of two-way players is crucial, as they can provide valuable minutes when the team needs them most, but their limited game availability requires thoughtful planning.

The details

The Pacers have utilized their two-way players extensively this season, with Slawson, Thompson, and Peter combining for 64 appearances with the Noblesville Boom G League affiliate. However, with only 22 games remaining, the Pacers must now 'conserve' games for these players, as head coach Rick Carlisle has acknowledged. This could involve strategies like using two-way players on the second night of back-to-back games to provide rest for starters while still giving valuable experience to the developing talent.

  • The Pacers have 22 games remaining in the 2025-26 NBA season.
  • Two-way players are currently capped at 50 active NBA games per season.

The players

Jalen Slawson

A two-way contract player for the Indiana Pacers.

Ethan Thompson

A two-way contract player for the Indiana Pacers.

Taelon Peter

A two-way contract player for the Indiana Pacers.

Rick Carlisle

The head coach of the Indiana Pacers.

Chad Buchanan

The general manager of the Indiana Pacers.

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What they’re saying

“We must 'conserve' games for these players, indicating a deliberate approach to their availability.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach

“The life of a two-way player is characterized by 'unpredictability.' Players must be prepared to move between the NBA and the G League, adapting to changing roles, and expectations.”

— Chad Buchanan, General Manager

What’s next

The Pacers will need to carefully manage the remaining game appearances for their two-way players, Jalen Slawson, Ethan Thompson, and Taelon Peter, to ensure they have enough availability for the stretch run and playoffs.

The takeaway

The Pacers' experience with their two-way contract players highlights the growing importance of strategic roster management in the NBA, as teams balance player development with remaining competitive down the stretch of the season.