The Indiana Pacers have continued their strategic approach to roster development and depth-building by signing forward/center Samson Johnson and forward Gabe McGlothan to Exhibit 10 contracts with the Noblesville Boom, their NBA G League affiliate. This move may seem like a small piece of housekeeping in the larger picture of the Pacers’ season, but in reality, signings like these are often the foundation of long-term success. They reflect not only the organization’s scouting and development philosophies but also the calculated risks teams take to identify under-the-radar talent that could potentially contribute at the NBA level. The Exhibit 10 contract has become an increasingly valuable tool for NBA teams in recent years, allowing franchises to take extended looks at players who might otherwise fall through the cracks while simultaneously boosting the profile and competitiveness of their G League programs.
Samson Johnson’s inclusion on this deal is particularly notable because of his unique profile as a forward/center hybrid with intriguing physical tools. At 6-foot-10 with length, mobility, and a frame that suggests room for growth, Johnson has been on the radar of scouts since his high school days and throughout his time at UConn. Though he did not fully blossom into a dominant college star, his flashes of rim protection, rebounding, and fluidity on the floor hinted at untapped potential. The NBA is a league constantly searching for athletic big men who can defend multiple positions, run the floor, and contribute in a variety of ways without needing high usage on offense. Johnson fits that mold, and the Pacers’ decision to bring him into the system through an Exhibit 10 deal indicates that they see him as more than just a longshot. They are essentially buying themselves time and flexibility to evaluate him more closely in a developmental setting, where his strengths can be sharpened and his weaknesses addressed.
Meanwhile, Gabe McGlothan’s path to this opportunity tells a story of resilience and perseverance that resonates with many players who work their way into the NBA pipeline. McGlothan was not a household name during his collegiate career, but he consistently displayed energy, toughness, and the kind of intangibles that coaches value. As a forward, he brings versatility, defensive effort, and the ability to crash the boards, often doing the dirty work that doesn’t show up in highlight reels but can make a major difference in a team’s success. Players like McGlothan embody the reason Exhibit 10 contracts exist: to ensure that teams can keep players like him connected to their organization while giving them a realistic shot to prove themselves either in training camp, the G League, or both.
The Noblesville Boom, as the G League affiliate of the Pacers, play a central role in this process. The G League has evolved significantly over the past decade, transforming from what was once considered a secondary, developmental afterthought into a legitimate proving ground where talent can flourish. Organizations now rely heavily on their affiliates not just for developing young draft picks but also for refining overlooked prospects and preparing them for potential NBA minutes. By assigning Johnson and McGlothan through Exhibit 10 deals to the Boom, the Pacers are essentially saying, “We want you in our system, learning our style of play, working with our coaches, and showing us if you can fit into our long-term plans.” This creates an ecosystem where both player and franchise benefit: the player gets valuable professional experience, exposure, and support, while the organization builds a pipeline of talent ready to contribute when opportunity knocks.
The timing of these moves also matters. For the Pacers, who are in a competitive Eastern Conference landscape and balancing the development of a young core led by Tyrese Haliburton with the need to remain a playoff-caliber team, depth and flexibility are crucial. Injuries, trades, and the grind of the regular season often create unexpected opportunities for players who begin the year on the margins of the roster. By investing in players like Johnson and McGlothan now, the Pacers are preparing themselves for the inevitable twists and turns of an NBA season. Should they need reinforcements, they will already have players familiar with their schemes and expectations, which can be invaluable when trying to maintain consistency and competitiveness.
Exhibit 10 contracts, for context, are non-guaranteed deals that allow NBA teams to bring players into training camp, evaluate them, and, if they are waived before the season, incentivize them to join the team’s G League affiliate. These contracts typically come with a financial bonus—up to \$75,000—for players who spend a certain amount of time with the G League team after being waived from the NBA roster. It’s a win-win setup: the NBA team keeps a prospect in-house, while the player gets both financial security and an opportunity to develop in a professional environment. For Johnson and McGlothan, this represents both a challenge and a golden opportunity. They will enter training camp knowing they have a slim chance of cracking the Pacers’ final roster, but they also know they will remain in the organizational orbit regardless, with the chance to impress coaches, staff, and front-office decision-makers along the way.
The Pacers’ track record of developing talent through the G League and integrating it into their NBA rotation is worth examining in this context. In recent years, many franchises have successfully used Exhibit 10 deals to uncover hidden gems. Players who start with Exhibit 10s often work their way into two-way contracts, and in some cases, full NBA deals. The key lies in seizing the opportunities presented—whether in preseason games, practices, or during stints with the G League affiliate. For Johnson, the focus will likely be on continuing to refine his offensive skillset, particularly his finishing ability and shooting touch, while building consistency on defense. For McGlothan, the challenge may be to prove that his hustle and energy can translate against NBA-level athletes, and that he can carve out a niche role, perhaps as a defensive stopper or energy player off the bench.
What makes this news even more intriguing is the larger developmental strategy at play. The Pacers are not a franchise that typically swings wildly in free agency for established stars. Instead, they often build through smart drafting, savvy trades, and the cultivation of overlooked talent. This philosophy has kept them competitive in an ever-changing league and has endeared them to fans who appreciate a team that emphasizes grit, teamwork, and steady improvement over splashy moves. By bringing Johnson and McGlothan into the fold, they are signaling a commitment to their long-term approach: stockpiling talent, investing in development, and always looking for players who can grow into reliable contributors.
There’s also an emotional and inspirational dimension to this story. For players like Johnson and McGlothan, the NBA dream has always been alive but uncertain. Exhibit 10 contracts don’t guarantee stardom, but they keep the door open. They provide a tangible path forward, a chance to show up every day and prove one’s worth. For fans, seeing these kinds of stories unfold can be rewarding, as players who once seemed destined to be footnotes in the basketball narrative sometimes break through and make lasting impacts. Every star in the NBA once started as a prospect with something to prove, and Exhibit 10 deals are part of that foundational process.
As the Pacers gear up for the upcoming season, these signings may not dominate headlines, but they could ultimately matter more than most people realize. Depth, culture, and development are the hallmarks of sustainable success in the NBA, and Indiana has once again demonstrated its understanding of these principles. Johnson and McGlothan may or may not eventually wear a Pacers jersey in a regular season game, but their journey with the Noblesville Boom will be closely watched, both by the organization and by those who believe in the power of perseverance and opportunity in professional sports.
In many ways, these signings epitomize what makes the NBA ecosystem so compelling. It is not just about the stars and the highlight reels but also about the countless players working tirelessly on the margins, hoping for a chance to break through. It is about organizations like the Pacers recognizing potential where others may overlook it and creating pathways for growth. It is about the fusion of ambition, patience, and opportunity that fuels the league’s constant evolution. Samson Johnson and Gabe McGlothan are now part of that story, and whether their journeys end in NBA minutes, successful G League careers, or new opportunities overseas, their Exhibit 10 contracts with the Pacers mark an important chapter in their professional lives.
The Pacers’ decision reflects their long-term mindset, their respect for the developmental process, and their willingness to invest in potential. For fans, it’s a reminder that every name on a transaction report carries with it a story of hard work, resilience, and hope. For Johnson and McGlothan, it’s an invitation to embrace the grind, showcase their skills, and chase the dream that every basketball player holds dear. And for the organization, it’s another step in building a foundation that can sustain them in the pursuit of success, both this season and beyond
