3 Rookies the Indiana Pacers likely regret not drafting after the Summer League

The Indiana Pacers, led by their brigade of rookies and other young players, rattled off a couple of wins against three losses in the NBA 2K23 Summer League. Despite a middling finish, the team had some standouts, notably Bennedict Mathurin, who was named to the NBA All-Summer League Second Team.

However, the Pacers’ other first-year players did not necessarily turn a lot of heads. Andrew Nembhard and Kendall Brown, the team’s two selections in the second round, flashed some of their advertised skills, but it quickly became clear that Indiana should be a tad more patient with the two rookies.

With the Summer League well beyond its endpoint, here are three rookie standouts whom the Indiana Pacers likely regret not drafting.

Kenneth Lofton Jr.’s physicality and efficient play would have been a good addition to the Indiana Pacers’ relatively frail frontcourt

Despite going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Louisiana Tech alum Kenneth Lofton Jr. quickly found his home in the big league, with the Memphis Grizzlies having just signed him to a two-way deal a month ago.

The burly 280-lb big man definitely flashed why he was worth the investment, riding a strong Summer League showing to the tune of 15.2 points and 7.2 rebounds in just 21.7 minutes per contest. While undersized in his position, Lofton was even better than advertised, showing a knack as a rim roller while giving some hope that he can tout a stable perimeter game moving forward.

With the Indiana Pacers having a relatively frail frontcourt, Lofton Jr. would have been a great addition to bolster the team on that front, serving as a Montrezl Harrell-like energizer off the bench, but minus the off-court headaches and plus the age factor and shooting potential.