Pacers Quietly Add Multi-Champion Samson Johnson After NBA Finals Loss

Pacers Quietly Add Multi-Champion Samson Johnson After NBA Finals Loss

The Indiana Pacers continue to tweak their roster following their NBA Finals defeat. After the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft, the team quietly signed Samson Johnson, a highly decorated collegiate player from UConn, to an Exhibit 10 contract, as reported by Ian Begley of SNY. Johnson, a native of Togo, played his entire college career at UConn and was instrumental in the Huskies’ back-to-back NCAA Championship wins in 2023 and 2024. He also holds the distinction of being the winningest player in the school’s history.

Although Johnson doesn’t bring the same star power as recent Pacers addition Pascal Siakam, his championship pedigree could prove valuable. He’s unlikely to have a major role in his first year with Indiana, but given the current uncertainty surrounding the team’s center rotation, he could emerge as a potential contributor down the road. Johnson possesses some unique physical tools that—if successfully adapted to the NBA—could make him a long-term asset for the franchise.

A Potential Sleeper Pick-Up for Indiana

Johnson’s name didn’t get called during the draft, which wasn’t entirely unexpected, though some projections had him pegged as a possible late second-round pick. Nonetheless, his move to Indiana could turn out to be a smart under-the-radar addition.

Standing at 6’10”, Johnson has the size and agility to play both power forward and center, a flexibility that is increasingly valuable in today’s NBA. Known for his energy and athleticism, he brings a high motor and strong presence on the floor—qualities that align well with the Pacers’ system.

Defensively, Johnson offers solid rim protection and interior defense, averaging 1.5 blocks per game in his final collegiate season. Offensively, he was highly efficient near the basket, leading the NCAA in two-point field goal percentage in each of his final two seasons with 73.5% and 76.6%, respectively.

However, his game still has notable limitations. He lacks a reliable perimeter shot and is underdeveloped in his post scoring abilities. Though his skill set is still raw, his athletic potential gives him upside if he can continue to grow and adapt to the NBA level.

Most likely, Johnson will spend much of his rookie year developing in the G League, with limited immediate impact expected at the NBA level. Still, his physical attributes—especially his energy and athleticism—are difficult to teach and could pay dividends over time. As the Pacers evaluate their frontcourt options this offseason, Johnson could quietly emerge as a name worth monitoring.