Injury Crisis Hits Indiana Pacers
With the NBA season only seven games in, the Indiana Pacers have been hit hard by injuries, severely depleting their roster. Star player Tyrese Haliburton has been sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon, while other players such as Bennedict Mathurin (foot injury), Andrew Nembhard (shoulder), T.J. McConnell (hamstring), Obi Toppin (foot), Johnny Furphy (ankle), and Kam Jones (back) are also unavailable.
Hardship Rule Activation
As a result of this injury crisis, the NBA has allowed the team to utilize a hardship rule, enabling them to sign Cody Martin to a temporary 10-day contract.
The Pacers officially announced Martin’s signing on Wednesday, a move reflecting the urgency of their situation.
Martin is a 6’5″ forward known for his defensive abilities, having played six seasons in the league, primarily with the Charlotte Hornets. He was traded to the Phoenix Suns last year but has been without a team going into this season, making this opportunity significant for both him and the Pacers. While his career averages stand at 6.2 points per game, recurring injuries have hindered his playtime in recent years—he participated in 53 games last season and only 35 games across the two prior seasons.
Previous Hardship Exception
This signing marks the second time the Pacers have taken advantage of the hardship exception, as they previously brought Jeremiah Robinson-Earl on board with a similar 10-day contract.
Current Season Challenges
The extent of injuries plaguing the Pacers is underscored by their current record of 1-6 as they prepare to face the winless Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, followed by a challenging four-game road trip through the Western Conference starting with the Denver Nuggets this weekend.
