Kyle Guy’s move to China highlights Boom’s ‘better basketball opportunities’ mantra
Boom general manager Chris Taylor praises Kyle Guy, explains his overseas opportunity, and reflects on the impact he made in a short time.
Good evening, everyone. Hard to believe we’re already halfway through January.
I spent Thursday in Noblesville covering the Boom’s first home game of 2026. Indiana’s G League affiliate had been on the road for its previous five games.
It’s been a busy stretch of basketball in central Indiana. The Pacers wrap up a four-game homestand Friday against the Pelicans, while the Boom opened a three-game homestand Thursday against the Grand Rapids Gold. (They lost 102-92, held to 39% shooting.)
The biggest news for the Boom: guard Kyle Guy has elected to play overseas for the remainder of the season. He had been the team’s best player, leading the Boom in minutes, points, and assists per game.
Before the full story — with perspective from general manager Chris Taylor and head coach Tom Hankins — here are a few notes:
Bennedict Mathurin (right thumb sprain) and Isaiah Jackson (concussion) remain out.
The NBA trade deadline is three weeks away: Thursday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. ET.
Pacers rookie Kam Jones was assigned to the Boom for the second straight game. He was in the starting lineup with two-way guards Ethan Thompson and Taelon Peter.
Jones tweaked his right ankle in the fourth quarter, but finished the game.
Pacers owner Steve Simon, Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines, GM Chad Buchanan, and player development coach Isaac Yacob sat courtside.
In case you missed it: The Boom adjusted Monday’s tip time to avoid conflicting with IU in College Football Playoff national championship game.
Former Pacer Jeremiah Robinson-Earl signed a 10-day contract with the Dallas Mavericks via hardship exception. He previously signed two of those with the Pacers.
In Fever news, Cory Price was hired as the senior director of player health and performance, and Carisa Ramirez as the basketball administration coordinator.
Guy Lands Enticing Offer Elsewhere
Boom general manager Chris Taylor has been in his current role for nearly five years, and part of the Pacers organization since 2012. During that time, he’s built the franchise around several core values.
One of them is simple: Better Basketball Opportunities.
Taylor wants to win and develop players, but above all, he wants them to leave the organization positioned for something bigger — whether that’s with the Pacers, another NBA team, or overseas.
That philosophy is literally built into the Boom’s new home at The Arena at Innovation Mile. Painted on the wall outside the locker room is the phrase “Better Basketball Opportunities,” alongside photos of every player who has earned an NBA call-up during their time with the Boom (formerly the Mad Ants).
As first reported here, Guy agreed to a contract buyout after securing an opportunity to play in China, per league sources.
A standard G League salary is $45,000, making overseas opportunities significantly more lucrative.
“We try to let our culture speak for itself that it’s not just a sign on the wall, that it’s something we truly live by,” Taylor told Fieldhouse Files on Thursday. “We try to put our players in the best position possible. Hopefully it’s an NBA call-up to compete at the highest level, but this is a heck of an opportunity — and 100% checks that box of helping him get to a better situation.”
The buyout wasn’t finalized until Thursday, but the overseas offer itself didn’t surprise Taylor. As GM, he stays in regular contact with league executives, scouts, and agents. Plus, the G League Winter Showcase that was held just before Christmas is big for exposure — for all 30 NBA teams and others overseas.
“Our guys have been performing, Kyle particularly, at a very high level,” Taylor said. “So I knew that there are gonna be some calls. I’ve heard from quite a few international scouts that check in on our guys as well. So where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
An Indianapolis native, Guy made an immediate impact both on the floor and with the fan base in just over two months. He helped steady the team early in the season amid injuries at both the NBA and G League levels.
On opening night in the Boom’s new arena, Guy was the player handed the microphone to welcome fans to a new era for the franchise.
(Click here to watch his interview after the season opener)
“He’s such a good pro,” coach Tom Hankins said, reflecting on Guy’s impact. “We’re going to miss him.”
That loss goes beyond scoring.
“He may have been even better off the court,” Hankins added.
