With the Indiana Pacers having wrapped up their fifth and final game of the Summer League, the team finished 1-4. They suffered losses to the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets and most recently, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers only defeated the Phoenix Suns.
While the Pacers were able to re-sign both Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin, all the key pieces to last season's best offense should be back. In addition, the return of Bennedict Mathurin should add firepower to an already potent squad.
Head coach Rick Carlisle has many options on his roster as the Indiana Pacers look to be a deep team once again. Their second unit was the best in the business when it came to scoring. These four Summer League stars should crack that rotation during the regular season.
4. Ben Sheppard
The Pacers first round pick in 2023 filled in nicely off the bench. In his first year, Sheppard was taxed with playing in all 17 of Indiana's postseason contests. He even started in two of them.
During the regular season, Sheppard shot 39.3% from the field and 31.4% from behind the arc during the 57 games he played in. His averages went up during the playoffs. He shot 43.7% from the floor and 38% from three.
Sheppard only appeared in two of the Pacers' five Summer League Games. He scored just seven points but recorded three steals in the loss against the Nets.
He followed up that effort by scoring ten points in the next game. Sheppard went three of seven from the floor and made half of his four attempts from behind the arc. He was used sparringly with the intent of saving him for the 2024-2025 campaign.
The Pacers guard is a capable option for Carlisle to put to the ball into the basket with the second unit. Sheppard should make the final roster for this next season in Indiana.