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Pacers sign second-round pick Alize Johnson

By Ben Gibson

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 07: Alize Johnson #24 of the Indiana Pacers shoots against Jeff Ledbetter #33 and Amida Brimah #37 of the San Antonio Spurs during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 07: Alize Johnson #24 of the Indiana Pacers shoots against Jeff Ledbetter #33 and Amida Brimah #37 of the San Antonio Spurs during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /
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The Indiana Pacers were impressed by Alize Johnson’s work at Summer League and signed him to a contract on Monday.

After posting 12.4 points and 8.6 rebound a game in Summer League, Alize Johnson has signed with the Indiana Pacers. The team announced the news on Monday.

Thought the team didn’t announce the terms, Michael Scotto is reporting the deal is the first year of the deal is fully guaranteed.

Johnson’s upside and motor impressed Nate McMillan and the Pacers enough to bring the 50th pick in the 2018 draft aboard, making him one of the 14 players currently signed to the Pacers.

In Las Vegas, we saw Johnson bring plenty of energy as he created plays for himself off rebounds and turnovers. His shooting needs work, but his rebounding and defense are the assets he will rely on for now.

The signing gives Indiana wing-depth and a relentless hustler with plenty of grit.

His skill set is diverse thanks to being an undersized point guard at a small high school and growing into a 6’9 forward. As Alize posted on Instagram, he unorthodox journey to the NBA continues.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlTRl0_g0KZ/

How soon he will see playing time is anyone’s guess thanks to the Pacers depth, but with so few players signed beyond next season, stocking up on young prospects now is a smart plan for the Pacers.

In his college days, Johnson averaged 14.9 points and 11.1 rebounds a game at Missouri State University. After averaging stats close to a double-double at Summer League, Indiana hopes their second-round pick proves to be a steal when all is said and done.

Next: Ike Anigbogu will return to the Pacers

With Johnson likely signed to a minimum deal for the upcoming season, this is a low-risk, high-reward situation for the Pacers if Alize becomes more than his No. 50 pick status projects him to be.

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