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3 young players Pacers should develop, 2 to give up on

ByBen Grunert|
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 19: Andrew Nembhard #2 and Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers celebrate in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 19, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 19: Andrew Nembhard #2 and Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers celebrate in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 19, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 13: Jarace Walker #5 of the Indiana Pacers poses for a portrait during the 2023 NBA rookie photo shoot at UNLV on July 13, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 13: Jarace Walker #5 of the Indiana Pacers poses for a portrait during the 2023 NBA rookie photo shoot at UNLV on July 13, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Pacers should continue to develop Jarace Walker

When the Pacers selected Jarace Walker with the No. 8 pick in this year’s draft, they saw a two-way monster with a sky-high ceiling. Across four Summer League games, Walker did not disappoint.

At Vegas, Walker averaged 14.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, per Real GM stats. The 19-year-old may have shined the most on the defensive end as he showcased his impressive rim deterrence and athleticism. The tantalizing teenager also tallied 1.3 steals per game and 1.3 blocks per game. Pacers fans should feel ecstatic about Walker’s potential fit in a frontcourt with Myles Turner.

Walker is still a raw talent, but his defensive potential seems limitless. At 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds, the Houston product’s build alone should cause opponents problems for years to come. Walker’s fascinating combination of length and mobility could pave the way for a long and fruitful career, and that career will only benefit from minutes alongside Haliburton.

From day one, the Pacers should throw Walker into the fire as a starter. The versatile forward looked ready to go at Summer League. A vote of confidence could be just what he needs to take a big leap out of the gate. Walker could be the real deal, and Indiana needs to treat him as such.

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