Taelon Peter Secures Spot on Pacers’ Opening Night Roster
Taelon Peter, a former guard for Liberty University, has secured a spot on the Indiana Pacers’ opening night roster. He is set to make his NBA debut on Thursday, as the Pacers kick off the 2025-26 season against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the defending NBA champions. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. in Indianapolis and will be broadcast on ESPN.
Historic NBA Draft Selection
Peter, selected as the 54th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, made history for the Liberty Flames basketball program. He became the third player from Liberty and the first from the Division I era to be chosen in the NBA Draft. Additionally, Peter’s selection marks the first time in 40 years that a player from Liberty has been drafted, following Cliff Webber’s fourth-round pick by the Boston Celtics in 1985.
Roster and Contract Details
After a strong performance during the Summer League, Peter earned a two-way contract with the Pacers for the season. He averaged 9.5 points per game and shot an impressive 57.1% from the field during the summer. As part of his contract, Peter will be eligible to play in up to 50 NBA games, earning $636,435, which is 50% of the minimum salary for a player with no prior service.
Preseason Performance
Peters’ preseason play has been noteworthy. Across four games, he averaged 24 minutes while contributing 10 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He shot 45.2% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc. Peter aims to join an exclusive group of former Flames who played in the NBA, which includes Julius Nwosu and Peter Aluma.
College Achievements
- Conference USA Sixth Man of the Year
- Averaged 13.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist in the 2024-25 season
- Led the nation in true shooting percentage (72.4)
- Set a school record with a three-point shooting percentage of 45.3%
- Scored 30 or more points in three games, including two 33-point games
- Assisted Liberty Flames to a 28-7 overall record and CUSA titles
Peter’s outstanding performance during his collegiate career saw him ranked 19th in player efficiency rating. He has become a vital asset for both the Pacers and the Flames, showcasing a legacy that began in Russellville, Arkansas.
As the season progresses, fans will eagerly watch to see how Taelon Peter impacts the Pacers and if he can continue his impressive trajectory in the NBA.
