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Fansided

Why the Pacers will shine in the NBA summer league

By Madie Chandler

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 08: Teammates on the bench look on as Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers starts a fast break after stealing the ball from the Charlotte Hornets during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 08, 2022 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 08: Teammates on the bench look on as Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers starts a fast break after stealing the ball from the Charlotte Hornets during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 08, 2022 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 22: Jarace Walker celebrates after being drafted eighth overall pick by the Washington Wizards during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 22: Jarace Walker celebrates after being drafted eighth overall pick by the Washington Wizards during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

The Rookies:

Jarace Walker- Shooting and Pace

Walker shot 34.7% from 3-point range in college, but only sank 66% of his free throws. Free throw percentage is often a mark of potential as a shooter, so he’ll need to prove that his shot is as successful as it looks on paper.

It’ll also be notable how Jarace reacts to the Pacers’ speed of play. Summer League teams run the same systems as the affiliated NBA teams, so expect a lot of high-speed transition plays from the Pacers. Jarace flashed some potential as a playmaker at Houston, so he may be highlighted as a connector in the offense. If he adapts to the pace of play well, it could be a good sign for his career in Indiana.

https://twitter.com/Pacers/status/1673794580498591746?s=20

Ben Sheppard- Shooting and Physicality/Defense

Sheppard was a four-year player at Belmont and his 3-point shot improved each season of his career. He made a scorching 41.5% of his threes in his senior season. As a mid-major college player, it’s hard to tell how the level of competition in his college career will match up to that of the NBA.

He’s an aggressive and physical defender on tape, but it’s yet to be seen how that physicality will translate into the league. Summer League is a good environment for Sheppard to work out some of the adjustments needed to defend without fouling in the NBA. Players are allowed 10 fouls before fouling out in Summer League, which is conducive to player development. Sheppard can use these games to showcase his physical style of defense and efficient shooting stroke.

Stats via ESPN.

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