Pacers sign Braden Smith to a two-way contract

August 19 - The Indiana Pacers officially announced that they have signed Braden Smith, the 38th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft and former Purdue University point guard, to a two-way contract.

Last season, as a senior, Smith averaged 14.3 points, 8.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, shooting 36.2% from three-point range and earning a spot on the All-American First Team. He led the nation with 345 assists and ranks fifth all-time in single-season assists.

At 23 , Smith accumulated 1,103 assists in his college career, becoming the NCAA's all-time assist leader, surpassing Duke guard Bobby Hurley in 1993. He is also the only player in history to record at least 1,500 points, 1,000 assists, and 500 rebounds in his college career.

During this year's Summer League, Smith played 5 games for the Pacers, averaging 6.8 points, 7 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, with a 29.4% three-point shooting percentage . His total assists in the Las Vegas Summer League reached 35 , tying for second place among all players.

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