Jordan Nwora returns to Indianapolis and reflects on time with Indiana Pacers

Nwora spent a year with the Pacers

INDIANAPOLIS — There isn't a good word to describe Jordan Nwora's tenure with the Indiana Pacers. Acquired at the 2023 trade deadline, Nwora joined the Pacers and instantly looked like an offensive weapon. After getting acclimated to his new team for three games, he scored in double figures 10-straight times, and he even set the Pacers franchise record for points in one quarter.

A few months later during the 2023 offseason, Indiana grabbed Obi Toppin at Nwora's position, and they drafted Jarace Walker too. On top of that, their most frequent lineup changes throughout the 2023-24 season were defensively focused — Nwora is more of an offensive force — and the franchise acquired Pascal Siakam in a trade in mid-January.

At no fault of Nwora, his opportunities were limited with the blue and gold. He was a part of the Siakam deal and was sent to the Toronto Raptors, and he is already approaching more minutes with the Raptors this season than he had with the Pacers.

Nwora returned to Indiana on Monday, where his Raptors took down the Pacers. It was the first time back in the Circle City for Nwora since being traded away, and it was clear that he was still fond of his former teammates and coaches.

"I'm super tight with a lot of guys over here. That's one thing I can say about my time in Indy. As a group, we were all super tight. Did a lot of [stuff] together. It was great seeing them. Any time I see them, grab food with some of the guys." Nwora said. He caught up with several of his recent teammates before the game. He also spent a lot of time with Pacers assistant coach Mike Weinar, who he worked with often in Indiana. "Talked to Weinar. He was a guy that was with me every day, like all hours whenever I needed it. It's always great seeing those guys. Especially people who I know I was here with who were really looking out for me."

This season with the Pacers, Nwora appeared in 18 games. He scored 5.2 points and pulled in 1.8 rebounds per outing. His effectiveness from inside the arc was impressive, but his accuracy from deep wasn't quite at the level it needed to be.

Last season, he averaged 13.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for Indiana. He was a lethal shooter and overall a great fit offensively. His defense needed work, but so did most of his teammates. That was his best stretch in the NBA, which gave Nwora confidence going into his second campaign with the blue and gold.

Yet he didn't play much outside of garbage time. Only eight of his appearances featured more than 10 minutes of action, which made it hard to get a rhythm.

"I think it was kind of a let down. I think I put a lot of work in this summer. Had high hopes, thought I had a really good training camp too. I think it just was kinda the odd man out," Nwora said of his second season with the blue and gold. "It is what it is playing in the NBA. Some things are out of your control. Just got to be a grownup about it and move on and just keep your head down and keep working."

With Toronto, Nwora already has 12 appearances and even started a game. "It all comes down to getting those consistent opportunities, consistent minutes," the 25-year old said of his current spot in his career. He said it's easier to be consistent now with a consistent routine and lifestyle.

He also likes being on a rebuilding, ascending team that works hard on player development. Nwora explained that he is a fan of the Raptors and their plan with his growth. "These coaches really take player development seriously, so it's been great," he said, noting that his teammates are extremely hard working.

While Nwora is on a worse team record-wise, he may be in a better spot for his career. He will play more often with Toronto, which will give him more chances to develop heading into free agency as a 25-year old. After a summer where he lost weight to become more versatile positionally, he will have a chance to show what that can do for his new team.

It helps from a comfort perspective that he was traded alongside Bruce Brown, a teammate and fellow NBA Champion. Both former Pacers were close as they each attended Vermont Academy before reaching the league and becoming title winners.

"Especially like knowing Bruce for a while. Obviously we've gotten closer because of [the trade]. It's been great being around him. Kinda just going through this journey together," Nwora said of the pros of being traded with Brown.

Toronto Raptors forward Jordan Nwora catches up with Indiana Pacers assistant coach Mike Weinar while Raptors guard Bruce Brown hugs Pacers assistant coach Jenny Boucek in Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 26, 2024. (Mandatory Photo Credit: AllPacers)

Nwora still has a house in Indiana, and he will deal with that and finish moving once the season ends. Right now, he's playing in the NBA market that is closest to his hometown of Buffalo, New York, so he can see his family more often. The young forward shared he is getting more ticket requests now than he ever did before.

In that way, along with many basketball reasons, being with the Raptors is great for Nwora. He can play more often and see his family. It's a good fit, even though Nwora did love being with Indiana despite not being enamored with his playing time situation.

"It was cool. When it came down to it, he had that talk with me, told me 'it's out of my control'," Nwora said of his conversation with Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle before this season about playing time. "I felt like I could have helped when I was here. Especially based on what happened last year at the end of the year. I feel like I was finally finding my groove."

That didn't end up happening, but now Nwora is somewhere that is better for the current stage of his career. He had a solid calendar year with the Pacers, but as the Siakam trade became possible and Nwora's minutes evaporated, a deal made too much sense for both parties to stick together.

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