The five biggest things the Pacers learned during Summer League

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 07: An NBA Summer league logo is shown on center court before a 2023 NBA Summer League game between the Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Bucks at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 07, 2023 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) /

2. Jarace Walker is exactly what this roster needed.

Jarace Walker is an enforcer on the defensive end. His offense is raw and needs development, but the feel on defense is evident and will be most impactful on this Pacers’ roster. His nose for the ball is impressive, and he uses his athleticism to magnify it. He’ll cover up a multitude of perimeter mistakes when paired with Myles Turner in the Pacers’ frontcourt.

Walker averaged 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists along with 1.3 blocks and 1.3 steals in 4 games of summer league action. He has a knack for poking the ball free and rotating back for help-side blocks on defense, but his playmaking ability is an underrated aspect of his game. He had a behind-the-back pass to Isaiah Jackson and an impressive touch pass to Bennedict Mathurin in his first summer league game alone. Walker’s playmaking skill at the power forward spot will allow the Pacers to run some creative sets.

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