T.J. Warren Remains Out Indefinitely As Foot Injury Heals Slower Than Expected, Pacers Say

The Indiana Pacers have provided an unfortunate update regarding forward T.J. Warren’s recovery from a stress fracture in his left foot.

They reported that the forward’s left foot is healing “but not at the pace previously anticipated” and because of this he will remain out indefinitely.

This is certainly disastrous for Pacers fans as Warren has been a big part of their recent success and having him out “indefinitely” only further complicates things for them.

During the 2019-20 season, Warren led the team in scoring as he averaged 19.8 points per game and helped bring them to an unexpected finish by taking the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.

However, Warren has been dealing with a ton of injuries throughout his career, all the way back to his first year in the league with the Phoenix Suns.

The 14th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft suffered a small crack in a bone in his left thumb before he played an NBA game, broke his right foot at the tailend of the 2015-16 season, had a minor head injury the following season, and then the current small left navicular stress fracture.

He has yet to appear in above 70 games throughout his career, with the most he has played in a season at 67 games.

The Pacers were looking to bounce back this season when they hired Rick Carlisle as their new head coach and team captain former Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon is more than happy to have him on board.

Brogdon will once again need to lead the team this season as they gun for a playoff spot and with Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner in tow, that is very doable.

Justin Holiday is projected to be the team’s starting small forward for the time being.

Warren opened up about his situation and reassured fans via Twitter.

“Pacer fans. Just wanted you to hear this straight from me. I’m making sure I do this rehab process right so that I can get back on the court as soon as I can and be the best that I can.”