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Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey signs with Indiana Pacers after 2026 NBA Draft

The Ames native leaves college with program records for starts and steals, securing a training camp opportunity with the NBA franchise.

Author
Adrian Cole
Political Correspondent
Published
Draft
Source: Yahoo Sports · original
Iowa State basketball product Tamin Lipsey signs with Indiana Pacers
Undrafted guard joins Tyrese Haliburton in Indianapolis on Exhibit 10 deal

Iowa State University basketball player Tamin Lipsey has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Indiana Pacers as an undrafted free agent. The agreement was finalised following the conclusion of the 2026 NBA Draft on 24 June 2026, marking the end of a collegiate career defined by durability and defensive excellence.

Lipsey, an Ames native, spent four years at Iowa State, where he established himself as a cornerstone of the programme. He set the school record for career starts with 137 appearances and broke the all-time steals record with 314 career takeaways, surpassing the previous mark held by Monte Morris. His tenure was characterised by consistent leadership and a disruptive presence on the defensive end.

During his senior season in 2025-26, Lipsey averaged 13.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. He shot 45.9% from the field and 31.6% from three-point range, while recording a 3.33 assist-to-turnover ratio that ranked second in the Big 12 conference. His performance earned him three-time All-Big 12 honours, three-time Big 12 All-Defensive Team selection, and the Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year award.

The Exhibit 10 deal is a standard contract for undrafted free agents that permits participation in training camp and allows for potential conversion to a two-way contract. Lipsey had worked out for at least 10 NBA teams prior to signing, including the Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Boston Celtics, as well as participating in the NBA G League Combine.

Lipsey joins a Pacers roster featuring fellow Iowa State product Tyrese Haliburton, a two-time NBA All-Star. The connection provides a familiar collegiate link as Lipsey transitions to the professional level, having previously filled a void at Iowa State when Tyrese Hunter transferred. The team announced the signing on social media on 25 June 2026, highlighting the hometown hero’s arrival in Indianapolis.

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