Pacers Bring Back Sam Young

Sam Young is back with the Pacers.

Three weeks removed from sustaining a severely sprained left ankle in practice, the team has re-signed the 6-foot-6 forward. In training camp, it was questionable whether he’d even make the 15-man roster. But, the Pacers liked what they had in Young, a defensive-minded wing. He’s an unselfish guy that accepted his role of about 16 minutes per game off the bench. In 28 games, he averaged 3.6 points and 2.9 rebounds.

Young has remained engaged with the team—how much, however, is unknown. He stayed in Indianapolis for treatment and works out at the Fieldhouse. Two days after being waived, he even attended the Pacers win over Miami on Jan. 8th.

His left ankle is progressing but it’s likely an injury that’ll bother him for the rest of the season. Ankle injuries like his seldom just go away. He has worn a protective boot and didn’t do many on-court activities for a few weeks. Recently, he’s gotten shots up, ran through drills individually, and continued to lift weights.

Because Young’s injury was going to keep him out several weeks at the least, the Pacers signed free agent Dominic McGuire in the interim. McGuire was signed to two 10-day contracts and dressed for ten games. He played a total of 13 minutes over two games, both against the Charlotte Bobcats, and didn’t contribute much. Frank Vogel said McGuire was essentially insurance.

The Pacers wrap up a four-game road trip tonight in Denver. I plan to talk with Young at practice in the next few games to get an update on how he’s feeling and what the last few weeks have been like for him.

By the looks of it, he’s just a little bit excited…

Baby, I’m back!!!!!

— Sam Young (@SamYoung4) January 28, 2013