Former Iowa State standout Tamin Lipsey is charting a new course in professional basketball, having signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Indiana Pacers as he chases an NBA dream.
After concluding a summer workout with the Cyclones at Hilton Coliseum on June 30, Lipsey will head to Indianapolis on July 2 to join the Pacers' summer league roster, setting the stage for a debut against the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 10 at 3:30 p.m. CT.
Defensive Identity and Hustle Play
Known for his tenacious defense and knack for making hustle plays, Lipsey earned All-Big 12 honors and Big 12 All-Defensive accolades three times during his collegiate career.
His collegiate résumé includes a program-record 314 career steals, 1,507 points over four seasons, and multiple academic recognitions such as Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Connections That Guided the Decision
Lipsey’s path to the Pacers was shaped by familiar figures: former Cyclone Tyrese Haliburton, now a star for the Pacers; scout Michael Born, a fellow Iowa State alumnus; and Coach Rick Carlisle, who once recruited Harrison Barnes to the Mavericks and later helped persuade Lipsey to join Indiana.
Having attended Barnes’ basketball camps as a youth and benefited from Carlisle’s mentorship, Lipsey feels a strong sense of continuity as he steps onto the summer league floor.
If his performance impresses the front office, the Exhibit 10 agreement could evolve into a two-way contract or a standard minimum deal, bringing him one step closer to the NBA.
The upcoming game against the Cavaliers will be a litmus test for Lipsey, who hopes to translate his collegiate defensive prowess into the league’s summer showcase.