Rienk Mast Went Undrafted, Then Signed With the Pacers, and Nobody in the League Is Ready For It
Yo, can we talk about draft night for a sec?! Seriously, sometimes the NBA Draft just hits different, doesn't it? You think you've seen it all, you've got your scouting reports ready, and then BAM! A player everyone had their eyes on slides, slides, and then goes completely undrafted. That's exactly what went down for Rienk Mast in the 2026 NBA Draft. But hold up, because this is where the story takes a turn: Mast didn't stay a free agent for long, no sir! He's officially signed on with the Indiana Pacers, and if you're not hyped for this kid's journey, you're not bleeding green and blue like we do here in the Emerald City!
The Draft Night Shockwave That Nobody Saw Coming
Picture it: Draft night. The lights are blazing, the suits are sharp, and dreams are either soaring or crashing. And then, the names start rolling off the board. Pick after pick, round after round. You're waiting, you're hoping, your heart's pounding like a drum solo at a rock concert. For some guys, that call just never comes. Can you even imagine that gut punch? That's exactly what went down for Rienk Mast and Sam Hoiberg during the 2026 NBA Draft. Both of these dudes went completely undrafted. Undrafted! How does that even happen? We see talent overlooked all the time, but for two guys set to make their mark, that had to be a tough pill to swallow.
Trade on Every Game with Kalshi
Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.
It’s a brutal reminder that sometimes, the talent on the court doesn't always translate to draft day hype. You put in the work, you grind it out, you get ready for that moment, and then your name doesn't get called. It's a testament to the crazy, unpredictable nature of professional sports, where nothing is guaranteed until the ink is dry. For Mast and Hoiberg, that draft night silence could have been the end of the road, a real confidence crusher. But true ballers, the ones with that deep-seated fire, they don't let a draft night snub define their whole career. They find another way, they scrap, they claw, they prove everyone wrong. That's the kind of grit we love to see, the kind of underdog story that gets you off your couch and screaming at the TV!
A New Chapter Kicks Off in the League
But like I said, the story doesn't end there, not for these guys. The draft is just one path to the pros, and sometimes the scenic route is where the real legends are forged. Following the 2026 NBA Draft, Rienk Mast quickly landed an opportunity with the Indiana Pacers. That's the kind of turnaround you love to witness! From the uncertainty of going undrafted to signing with an NBA squad, that's a testament to his talent and the belief the Pacers have in him. You know those conversations after the draft, the phone calls, the agents working overtime. It’s a mad scramble, and Mast clearly made an impression.
And let's not forget about Sam Hoiberg, because he also carved out his own path and is set to begin his NBA career too. Both of these guys are about to embark on their professional journeys, and you know what? That's what it's all about. It's about getting that foot in the door, showing what you can do, and proving all the doubters wrong. This is where the real work begins, where the hustle translates into minutes, and where those undrafted chips on their shoulders turn into game-winning plays. We're talking about the raw, unfiltered hunger that fuels so many incredible athletes in this league. It’s going to be wild to watch how they develop and make their mark.
So, what's next for these two? Now the real grind starts: training camps, practice, proving their worth every single day. Keep an eye on Rienk Mast with the Pacers, and Sam Hoiberg too, as they both kick off their NBA careers. It’s going to be an awesome journey to follow. What do you think, Seattle? Is this the kind of grit and determination we love to see in the league?
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.