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Enrique Freeman Rumors
Timberwolves to sign Enrique Freeman to a two-way deal
Shams Charania: The Minnesota Timberwolves are signing forward Enrique Freeman on a two-way NBA contract, agents Keith Kreiter and Sam Cipriano of Edge Sports tell ESPN. The Pacers' 2024 second-rounder had a strong summer league, averaging 16.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 56% on 3s.
Just two days ago, the Pacers withdrew their qualifying offer to Freeman, making him a free agent for the first time since entering the league. “It's a good feeling,” Freeman said. “I think I put myself in a good position to where I'll be somewhere soon to get a job and continue my career.”
“One thing I learned is just the IQ of that game, the high level. It's the peak form of basketball,” Freeman said. “So I learned IQ, what it takes and fighting all the way 'til the very end. That's what I learned. Never give up. “I’m grateful because I've done a lot, I've played well, I've been to the NBA Finals my first year,” Freeman continued. “So I'm just grateful for the year, really. TJ McConnell, he told me, 'Just be grateful.' I think that's why I said that word. That's one of my words to describe the year. He was telling me, 'I've been in the league 10, 11 years, and this is my first time making it to the Finals. It takes a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication.' Just being grateful and enjoying the moment, that was something a lot of the older guys say. Enjoy these moments.”
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Tony East: The Pacers have issued qualifying offers to Isaiah Jackson, Quenton Jackson, and Enrique Freeman, league source says. They’re all restricted free agents.
Dustin Dopirak: Rick Carlisle notes that Enrique Freeman had his high school number retired at his high school locally last night.
Dustin Dopirak: Carlisle says Tyrese Haliburton will play but Myles Turner is out with a non-COVID illness. Said Thomas Bryant will start at center and they'll go from there. Said they held Enrique Freeman out of the G League game today so he'd be available.
Scott Agness: Pacers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce hosting his second annual coat drive at Horizon House in downtown Indy today. Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker, Myles Turner, Bennedict Mathurin, Enrique Freeman, Rick Carlisle, Jim Boylen came by to support. pic.x.com/tIWI1QJSnI
Shams Charania: Indiana Pacers No. 50 pick Enrique Freeman has agreed on a two-way contract, per sources. Freeman went from a walk-on at the University of Akron to becoming player of year in Mid-American Conference, and now NBA signing. Freeman is represented by Keith Kreiter of Edge Sports. pic.x.com/sr27xaljdy
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If it weren't for his mom, Enrique Freeman would not be with the Indiana Pacers. The 23-year old forward played basketball growing up and through high school, but he didn't go to college specifically for the sport. He actually received an academic scholarship at the University of Akron. But he wasn't away from the hardwood for long. Freeman would try out for the basketball team at the MAC school and ended up walking on with the program — something he wouldn't have done if it weren't for his mom, Tania Torres.
So far, he likes his fit with the Pacers. After realizing the NBA was a possibility at the conclusion of the 2022-23 NCAA season, Freeman got to work making his game pro ready. He expanded his range and added speed. Those traits alone put him in a good spot, on paper, with Indiana. "I love it," Freeman said of his fit with the team. "They go out and run. I'm a good runner, I run the floor pretty hard." Freeman added that rebounding is his best skill, and it keeps him on the floor. His IQ is underrated in his eyes.
Enrique Freeman heads to Indiana
Tony East: Enrique Freeman is the Pacers pick at 50. He didn't even go to college to play basketball, but has built up to an NBA level player after growing a ton at Akron.
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