Indiana Pacers players to watch during Summer League

The Summer League has already started in the NBA. Games started on Saturday and they will continue for the next few weeks. While the Pacers haven't started playing games yet, they have started practice for Summer League. A lot of young guys are eager to show what they can do.

While all of them have ambitions of getting playing time for the Pacers this season, a lot of them are also trying to make the team. Obviously, not all of them are going to make the team. Some of them are going to end up in the G-League or with another team.

There are a few players who have an actual chance to make the roster and get some playing time. Two of them were on the team last year and one of them was part of the playoff rotation. Of course, I'm talking about Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker.

Three Pacers players have a big opportunity during Summer League

Sheppard was inserted as part of the rotation after the All-Star break. The rookie showed a lot of promise in his first season on the defensive side of the court. His three-point shooting was solid, but it fell off in a big way in the playoffs. Summer League will give him a chance to expand his offensive game.

Walker hardly played at all for Indiana. Summer League offers him a bigger opportunity than any other player. He can show how much he's improved both offensively and defensively. Specifically, I'm looking at his decision-making. Has he learned how to slow things down in his mind to make better choices?

Johnny Furphy, the rookie from Kansas, has a shot to be in the rotation too. If he has a good Summer League, he could jump over Walker for a rotation spot. I don't expect that to be the case. Walker has a shot to be the backup small forward next season with a great Summer League.

The Pacers play their first Summer League game on Friday, July 12th.