The Indiana Pacers have had a brutal start to the season, but there is at least one positive to take away so far: the emergence of point guard RayJ Dennis.
Dennis had a solid summer league showing, averaging 15.8 points, 7.2 assists, and 1.8 steals, and he showed flashes in preseason. This was particularly the case against the Minnesota Timberwolves, when he scored 16 points on 4-for-11 shooting and dished out five assists.
Most importantly, though, the 24-year-old has started the regular season off strong and is potentially playing his way into a legitimate role in Indiana.
RayJ Dennis can be a big-time contributor for the Pacers
Dennis has appeared in just two games so far this season for the Pacers, but he showed a lot in those two games, especially against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In the loss, Dennis scored 12 points on 5-for-9 shooting, including 2-for-4 from beyond the arc. Additionally, he recorded five assists, three blocks, two steals, and two rebounds. He had some trouble taking care of the ball, turning it over three times, but beyond that, he looked very comfortable on the court.
Most importantly, however, Dennis passes the eye test.
The Illinois native is a capable defender. He may be a bit limited as a 6-foot-2 point guard, and he is far from a lockdown defender. But he isn't a traffic cone either. He plays with a lot of effort, can apply pressure (which is key in Indiana's system), and is very active on the defensive side of the ball.
Plus, Dennis is a solid passer and playmaker. He usually makes smart and quick decisions, and he is always capable of finding the open man or even taking the shot himself. There is some work he needs to do to become a more efficient passer and commit fewer turnovers, but besides that, there is a lot to like about his game.
Dennis plays with heart and energy. He perfectly fits what Rick Carlisle is looking for out of his point guards. And given Indiana's current point guard situation, there are reasons to believe he is just getting started.
Less than a week into the season, the Pacers are down to just one point guard: Quenton Jackson (who also missed the beginning of the campaign due to a hamstring injury).
Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season due to an Achilles injury. Andrew Nembhard is out for who knows how long with a shoulder injury. T.J. McConnell is expected to miss another couple of weeks at least with a hamstring injury. Rookie Kam Jones has yet to make his NBA debut as he is currently dealing with a back injury. And Taelon Peter suffered a groin injury in just the second game of his career.
The Pacers are stuck with having to give Ben Sheppard minutes at point guard. And while he is capable of doing so in a pinch, the fact that Indiana essentially needs to rely on this is not great.
Fortunately for the team, Dennis has established himself as a guy who deserves an opportunity. And the Pacers may have no choice but to give it to him.
In what is mostly expected to be a bleak season for the Pacers, it is going to be important for fans to pay attention to whatever positives come their way. Early on, it looks like Dennis' emergence may be one of them.
And fortunately for fans, it's looking like the best is yet to come for the former undrafted free agent.