Daniel Theis Is Unhappy With The Pacers
Germany won its first ever FIBA World Cup championship this year and Daniel Theis was a big part of that team. As the 2023-24 NBA Season opened, Theis figured to be part of the Pacers rotation after a productive Summer playing with team Germany. Except… that hasn’t been the case at all.
The Celtics waxed the Pacers the other night putting up 155 on Indiana. The Theis revenge game never stood a chance because he never played in the game. Theis has notched four straight DNPs to open the season and he’s letting reporters know that he’s unhappy with his role.
“Obviously after a great summer, I’m not happy with the situation I’m in right now,” Theis told MassLive. “I want to play and take all the good stuff from the summer into the season but it’s a long season. We are going to see what’s going on and what’s happening.”
“There’s communication but it’s also coach’s decision,” Theis said. “I just stay ready, do my thing and whatever happens, happens.”
Theis, 31, was part of the Malcolm Brogdon trade that also sent Aaron Nesmith to Indiana. Nesmith has played well with the Pacers. Theis just isn’t part of the rotation at all as Rick Carlisle has opted to go with Myles Turner, Jalen Smith, and Isaiah Jackson instead. Theis is owed $9.1 million this year along with a $9.5 million team option for the following season.
Theis was asked about a potential reunion in Boston. He seemed very open to it for whatever that’s worth.
“I’ve learned to say never say never. Obviously, I’m open (to playing in Boston again if the opportunity arose),” Theis said. “I want to play and want to be part of the team, which is the most important thing.”
“They have a great team,” Theis said. “The way they play offense, shooting the ball, shooting the 3. Defensively, adding Jrue Holiday, tough team to beat all season long. Hopefully everyone stays healthy.”
The odds of Theis playing in Boston again seem low on the surface. It’s almost impossible that Theis could join the fold this year. The Celtics don’t have any pieces to match his salary in a potential trade. The new CBA also does not allow buyout players to join second apron tax teams midseason. A rule that makes no sense but it’s the world we live in now.
Time will tell what happens with Theis in Indiana. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that his days with the Pacers feel numbered.
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