Ethan Thompson made an immediate impact with the Indiana Pacers after he signed a two-way contract with the team in November before gradually taking on a reduced role. However, the California native played his first game with the Noblesville Boom, Indiana's G League affiliate, on Sunday and immedatey remined the team what he brings to the table.
In a 128-120 victory against the Windy City Bulls, Thompson scored a game-high 36 points on 12-for-19 shooting, including 9-for-12 from deep. He also recorded six assists, five rebounds, one steal, and just one turnover.
Ethan Thompson can be a real asset for the Pacers
There's a great chance that Thompson will never take 19 shots in a game for the Pacers, but that doesn't mean he can't still be valuable whenever he steps onto the court.
Thompson hasn't been in Indiana for long, but he's already proven that there is a lot to like about his game. He has scored 10 or more points in four of his 17 games with the Pacers, and he also plays with a lot of energy on both sides of the ball. He's never going to be the best player on the court, but he is a bit of a do-it-all player who can provide some value in every aspect of the game.
This season has been all about experimentation for the Pacers and seeing who can step up when needed. For the most part, things have not gone as well as the team had hoped.
Players like Jarace Walker, Isaiah Jackson, and Ben Sheppard have all been mostly disappointing in their expanded roles. Additionally, Jay Huff has had some solid stretches in his first season with the Pacers, but the jury remains out on how much he can contribute in the long run.
This is why there are reasons to be excited about Thompson, who is looking like he could be a real hidden gem for Indiana. It doesn't help that he has limited upside at 26 years old, but it's clear that he has talent and can contribute in the Pacers' system.
There is still a lot of basketball left to be played, meaning there is still a lot of experimentation for the Pacers to do the rest of the way. And as it stands, it seems that Thompson is a name worth monitoring for the rest of the season as Indiana looks to find more long-term contributors.