Pacers sign Justin Anderson to second straight 10-day deal, third overall
INDIANAPOLIS — Justin Anderson is staying put.
The Pacers signed the 6-5 swingman to a second consecutive 10-day contract Monday and third overall, hours before hosting Atlanta at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Anderson inked his first 10-contract with Indiana on Jan. 1 under the league's COVID-19 hardship exception and was brought back on another 10-day deal March 17.
Between 10-day stints, Anderson dominated with the Pacers' G League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. He averaged a league-high 27.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 22 games.
"He's a good player, and he is an NBA player," Carlisle said. "He earned the opportunity to come with us that second time with his play (in the G League) certainly leading up to that. ... And then we were uncertain of (Goga Bitadze's) status earlier (Monday), so we had to make sure had the minimum of eight guys."
The NBA requires teams to have eight players available to compete in a game, and due to a rash of injuries, Anderson gave the Pacers exactly that Monday.
Bitadze will play against the Hawks after missing Saturday's loss at Toronto. However, Oshae Brissett (sore back), Chris Duarte (left big toe), Isaiah Jackson (headache), T.J. McConnell (right wrist), Ricky Rubio (left ACL), Myles Turner (stress reaction in left foot), T.J. Warren (stress fracture in left foot) and Duane Washington Jr. (right hip) are all out against Atlanta. Malcolm Brogdon is also sidelined for rest.
Anderson has appeared in eight games for the Pacers this season, averaging 7.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists. The former Virginia standout scored a season-high 18 points in a home win over Portland and a loss at Toronto on March 20 and Saturday, respectively.
Anderson was drafted 21st overall by the Mavericks in 2015, when Pacers coach Rick Carlisle was still at the helm in Dallas.
Follow IndyStar Pacers beat writer James Boyd on Twitter: @RomeovilleKid. Reach him via email: jboyd1@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Pacers ink Justin Anderson to another 10-day deal
