Pacers keep A.J. Price for another 10 days, team thankful for rest

What was first expected to be a short stay for A.J. Price has turned into something larger. The point guard was signed by the Pacers on November 6th after having a laundry list of injuries and down to just one true ball handler.

As they wait for a handful of guys to return, the team once again applied for and was given the hardship waiver by the league office, allowing them to sign one player — without cutting someone — for short-term relief with guys on the mend.

George Hill (knee) is out until December, David West (ankle) and C.J. Watson (foot) until next week at the earliest, in addition to C.J. Miles (day-to-day) and of course, Paul George.

While yes, Price has given his teammates a breather and handled the ball, his play has been noteworthy. So much so, that he was a nominee for the player of the week award handed out to one player in each conference all season long.

“That’s the first time ever,” he said with a proud smile. “So that’s quite an accomplishment.”

In six games, Price is averaging 13 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game and shooting better than 49 percent. Clearly, he’s comfortable with the Pacers, who drafted him in 2009. It was his first home.

The question is, why has he been successful in Indy and his play hasn’t enticed other teams to sign him.

“It’s tough to say,” said Pacers head coach Frank Vogel. “It is a system that he’s played in, sort of one that he cut his teeth in when he first came in the league. This is the first system that he learned so I think when it’s your first system, it kind of sticks in your DNA. Certain players fit certain systems better. He’s a guy that personally I’ve connected with really strongly.”

Added Price: “Other than being comfortable, just being in my sixth year, I think I just get it. I understand the NBA style of play, style of games. Sometimes it takes guys a little bit longer. Something has just clicked for me this year.”

Before the Pacers brought him in, he was in New York with his family and preparing to finalize a deal to go play in China.

Pacers huddled up to conclude Tuesday’s practice. The Charlotte Hornets are in town on Wednesday.

The Pacers completed a grueling stretch of eight games in 12 days on Saturday — and impressively beat the Bulls in Chicago. They went 3-1 over the last week, also getting a win in Miami.

But everyone, especially Price, was glad the schedule now provided them with three days between games. Finally, some rest and much-needed practice time.

“It was very nice, to be honest with you,” he said. “Almost seemed foreign. Seemed like since I’ve been here, we’ve been playing every day or every other day.”

“It is very welcomed,” said Vogel. “I like this schedule. I wish we could do this every week, where we could play twice a week. Typically, we’re playing about five times a week. It’s good to A) be able to manage rest, which you’re not able to do when you’re playing every single night, and b) be able to work on some things in practice. You can blow the whistle, and stop play and teach.”

Follow Scott