RayJ Dennis, a 23-year-old guard, is embarking on a new chapter in his basketball career, signing a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers. His journey to the NBA has been a winding one, marked by brief stints with the Los Angeles Clippers and Washington Wizards organizations. Undrafted in 2024, Dennis showcased his skills with the Clippers’ G League affiliate, the Ontario Clippers (now known as the San Diego Clippers), averaging 16.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. This performance, coupled with his impressive college career at Baylor where he averaged 13.6 points and 6.7 assists, caught the attention of the Pacers, who were in need of a guard following the release of Tristen Newton.
Dennis’s signing fills a critical gap for both the Pacers and their G League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. His playmaking abilities and scoring prowess are valuable assets, particularly in the G League where team dynamics can often be fluid. Dennis’s skill set aligns well with the needs of both teams, providing the Pacers with depth at the guard position and offering the Mad Ants a steady floor general. His pre-draft workout with the Pacers in June clearly left a positive impression, demonstrating his potential to contribute at the NBA level.
Dennis’s performance in the G League speaks for itself. He ranks amongst the league leaders in assists, while also maintaining a commendable scoring average. This statistical output highlights his effectiveness as a two-way guard, exceeding the production of many players who have already secured NBA contracts. His ability to both distribute the ball and create scoring opportunities for himself makes him a valuable asset for any team. This versatility, combined with his experience leading a G League team, positions him well for success with the Pacers organization.
The two-way contract offers Dennis a pathway to the NBA while providing the Pacers with financial flexibility. He will earn half of the rookie minimum salary, prorated based on the remaining days in the season. The contract also avoids impacting the Pacers’ salary cap, a crucial factor as the team navigates the luxury tax threshold. This arrangement benefits both parties, allowing Dennis to further develop his skills within the Pacers’ system while providing the team with a cost-effective way to assess his potential.
Dennis’s arrival solidifies the Pacers’ roster, providing them with a full complement of players as they approach the latter stages of the season. The Pacers now have until early March to evaluate their two-way players and decide whether to retain them for the remainder of the season. While Dennis’s immediate impact may be felt more prominently with the Mad Ants, the opportunity to contribute to the Pacers remains open, especially given the team’s ongoing injury concerns. The two-way contract allows for flexibility in assigning him to either team, maximizing his development opportunities while also addressing the Pacers’ needs.
For Dennis, this signing represents the culmination of a challenging yet rewarding journey. From undrafted rookie to a two-way contract with an NBA team, his perseverance and continued development have paid off. The Pacers, on the other hand, gain a promising young guard who can contribute both at the NBA and G League levels. This mutually beneficial agreement sets the stage for Dennis to showcase his talent and solidify his place within the Pacers organization. The upcoming months will be crucial for him to demonstrate his value and potentially earn a more permanent spot on the Pacers’ roster.
