Cody Martin’s Departure Leaves Pacers in Turmoil
Indiana Pacers forward Cody Martin has officially exited the team following the expiration of his 10-day hardship contract on Saturday. The decision comes amid a whirlwind start to the season, as the Pacers grapple with a dismal 1-9 record, marking one of the worst beginnings in franchise history.
Challenges Behind the Scenes
As reported by local sources, the Pacers have found themselves in a tight spot, unable to secure another hardship contract to keep Martin on the roster. This situation arises from a series of unfortunate injuries that have plagued the team. In a bid to navigate the roster limitations, the Pacers initially signed both Martin and forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to 10-day hardship contracts. Such contracts are permissible when a team has at least four players sidelined with injuries, each missing three consecutive games and expected to be out for at least two more weeks.
This rule allows teams to temporarily exceed the standard roster limit of 15 players on regular contracts and three on two-way deals. However, with Martin’s contract now expired, he finds himself a free agent, leaving the Pacers to reevaluate their options.
What Lies Ahead for the Pacers?
The current uncertainty surrounding Martin’s status is compounded by the ongoing injury issues within the Pacers’ lineup. They may have the chance to reapply for a hardship exception if Bennedict Mathurin continues to be sidelined for over two weeks. Another window to secure additional help could open on November 20, should Aaron Nesmith miss a third consecutive game.
As the Pacers navigate this challenging period, the focus remains on how they will respond to their rocky start and the potential necessity of bolstering their roster amid a season fraught with obstacles.
