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T.J. Leaf embraced his time in G-League

By Jared Kungle

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 25: TJ Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers drives down the court during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Thunder defeated the Pacers 114-96. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 25: TJ Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers drives down the court during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Thunder defeated the Pacers 114-96. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Indiana Pacers rookie T.J. Leaf spent some time in the G-League with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and embraced the opportunity.

The Indiana Pacers selected UCLA Bruins power forward T.J. Leaf with the 18th pick in the 2017 draft. The 20-year-old spent one season with the Bruins, where he averaged 16.3 points on 61.7 percent from the field.

So far through his first season in the NBA, Leaf has seen limited time with the Pacers. Instead, he has spent time with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the Pacers official G-League affiliate.

Although some rookies may view the G-League as a waste of time, Leaf uses the opportunity to improve upon his craft.

According to the Indy Star’s Dakota Crawford, Leaf embraces the G-League and is ready to do whatever Pacers management asks of him.

"“I was expecting to do whatever the management thought was best for me. As long as it’s going to help me get better, that’s what I want to do.”"

To have a young player such as Leaf willing to spend time with the Mad Ants is a good sign for the Pacers. According to Crawford, Pacers head coach Nate McMillan respects that the rookie forward is embracing his time in Fort Wayne.

"“Yes. I do. We do respect that,” McMillan said. “Some guys feel they’re above (the G-League). His thing was, ‘It was good to play and get some minutes.’ … That’s what these guys love to do, is play basketball. That’s the purpose of sending him down there.”"

In three games with the Mad Ants this season, Leaf was lights out. He averaged 23.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game while shooting 57.4 percent from the field and 53.8 percent from beyond the arc.

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These numbers are all a step in the right direction. In 25 games with the Pacers, Leaf has averaged 3.3 points on 45.9 percent from the field and 47.8 percent from deep.

Despite his impressive shooting numbers, Leaf has become a defensive liability. According to Basketball-Reference, Leaf’s defensive plus-minus is -2.6, which is only ahead of Alex Poythress (-3.2) and Joe Young (-4.2).

McMillan recognizes that, with time, Leaf will continue to improve both offensively and defensively, according to Crawford. “We know that he can score the ball,” McMillan said. “We want to see him defend and continue to work on, certainly scoring, but really his first year is about just playing.

As the season progresses, Leaf has the ability to earn more meaningful minutes. A stretch forward is something any team in today’s NBA can use — T.J. Leaf is no exception. He has the ability to spread the floor and create space for ball handlers such as Darren Collison, Victor Oladipo, and Lance Stephenson.

Next: Pacers Rank: It’s still Victor Oladipo’s city and team

He was recalled back to the Indiana Pacers for now, but it’s good to seem him make the best of his chances to see the floor and become a better player.

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