Ethan Thompson's latest achievement is sign Pacers can't ignore

Since joining the Indiana Pacers on a two-way contract in November, Ethan Thompson has shown flashes of being a legitimate contributor to the team. And ahead of this year's All-Star break, the California native has been named to the NBA G League Next Up Game. This is a much-deserved honor that the Pacers need to take notice of.

Ethan Thompson has been fantastic in the G League

Thompson has only played in seven games for the Noblesville Boom, the Pacers' G League affiliate, but he has been incredible in those games, averaging 26.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 33.7 minutes. He has also shot 48.8% from the field and 53.6% from deep in that span.

The Oregon State alum hasn't had as many opportunities to prove this worth at the NBA level with the Pacers. But even so, he has had plenty of moments and has shown a lot of potential.

In a Dec. 5 victory against the Chicago Bulls, Thompson recorded 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, three assists, two rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in 34 minutes. On Dec. 22, he recorded 13 points on 5-for-12 shooting, four rebounds, four assists, and a steal in a loss to the Boston Celtics.

Additionally, the 26-year-old has scored 10 or more points in six of his 21 appearances with the Pacers.

It's not much, and I'm not about to act like Thompson is going to be an NBA All-Star or is the next Reggie Miller. But what I will say is that it's clear there's something there. He has talent, and he is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. Thompson is a solid scorer, but he also plays with a lot of energy and hustle. In Indiana's system, that will always bode well.

There are a few things going against Thompson, however. He is turning 27 years old in May and doesn't have a ton of upside. Additionally, he is an inconsistent shooter. He's doing a great job of putting the ball in the basket in Noblesville, but he is shooting 35.2% from beyond the arc in parts of four G League seasons (including this one), and he has shot just 30% at the NBA level.

Regardless, Thompson can become an asset in Indiana, and he will be a player worth monitoring. And this is especially true after his latest achievement, which isn't something the Pacers should just scoff at.