The Indiana Pacers have guaranteed the $1.4 million contract of high-motor forward Alize Johnson for the 2019-20 season, reports J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star.
Johnson, who amassed 23 double-doubles in 31 games with the Mad Ants last season, showcased his ability to do a little bit of everything last week in Las Vegas, averaging 16.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 steals in 29 minutes per game for the Summer Pacers. With Aaron Holiday, Edmond Sumner, Brian Bowen, and Goga Bitadze all missing one or more games, Johnson was the only of Indiana’s rostered players to appear in the full-slate of competition, suggesting perhaps that further evaluation was needed for the front office to come down firmly on the side of retaining the durable Mississippi State product.