While the Indiana Pacers have been unfortunately middling over two games so far in the Las Vegas Summer League, their contests have not been without excitement and intrigue. What initially looked like a hapless team full of rejects and a few forgotten prospects now houses one of the coolest breakout stories of this pre-pre-season event. Jalen Slawson, the former Furman product, is slashing and defending his way to a role beyond the projected two-way deal that seemed to be coming his way.
To say the third-year guard has been excellent would be understating just how big a load he has had to carry for a team that seemingly cannot create or attack the rim without him on the court. His shot-blocking as a wing has also jumped off the screen.
For Slawson, this shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. He was excellent across three different G-League franchises in the past two years – the Stockton Kings, Osceola Magic, and Noblesville Boom – and flashed real promise in the last thirteen games of the season for the Pacers.
But who is Jalen Slawson? How did we get here? What can he provide for this Indiana team primed for a return to form? Let's get to it.
Jalen Slawson led Furman to relevancy
It's hard to start your college career as a bench player if you want more of a role than that. Slawson was pigeonholed as an energy player during his first year at Furman College in South Carolina.
Despite this, Jalen stuck around, becoming a starter in his sophomore year and continuing what was a relatively run-of-the-mill career until he broke out in his senior season. Putting up 14 points and seven rebounds a contest, alongside nearly 3.5 combined blocks and steals, left Slawson in award conversations.
The then-reigning Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year followed up that dream season with a COVID eligibility waiver to return for his fifth and final season.
Not only did he top his previous year, earning the Southern Conference Player of the Year award.
Not only did he lead Furman to its first NCAA tournament in 43 years.
He was a pivotal part of the upset of the University of Virginia team that many had picked to win the National Championship that year, producing a double-double in the biggest game in program history.
Learning pains in the NBA
Slawson was drafted in the late second round by the Sacramento Kings, where he spent most of his time with their G-League affiliate. After only one season, he was cut.
This is the sad truth for so many talented players entering the NBA. Even after being drafted, you are not guaranteed an opportunity.
Jalen bounced around the league for a summer. He spent training camp with the Orlando Magic, then their G-League team, then found himself without a call-up to the NBA despite making an All-G-League defensive team.
In that way, the disaster season the Pacers just had came at the perfect time for Slawson. What was initially just a two-way deal that led to his October debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves rapidly became a tryout for this coming year.
Across 13 games in the pros this year, Slawson averaged seven points a game, doing exactly what we're seeing now. He shot 37.5 percent from deep and flourished as an on-ball defender and weakside help shot-blocker.
With only two more games scheduled for the Pacers in Vegas, Jalen is one of the biggest storylines to keep track of. With more 3-and-D wings needed on an Indiana roster that needs depth now more than ever after losing their first-round pick in their gap year, Slawson may be the one to earn a depth role.
Still, given how far the young man has come, it's hard not to celebrate his success, even at an exhibition event.
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