Things have not gone entirely well for the Indiana Pacers to begin the 2024-25 NBA season. They are 9-14 and currently own the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference. Their elite offense from last season is averaging just 113.4 points per game, 14th-best in the league, and the Pacers remain one of the worst defenses in the league.
At this point, the Pacers have given fans very little reason to believe they can turn things around this season. Inconsistent play and injuries are the story of the Pacers this season, and they have rarely shown glimpses of their 2023-24 selves. Furthermore, they went 0-4 during the NBA Cup, one year after advancing to the final round during last season's inaugural tournament.
In the midst of a disappointing start to the season, there are some silver linings for the Pacers, mostly related to breakout players receiving a bigger role in the rotation. Bennedict Mathurin, whose future with the team was undecided entering the season, has played great in an increased role. Furthermore, players like Quenton Jackson and Ben Sheppard have looked solid at times this season as well.
Following the Pacers' loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, head coach Rick Carlisle spoke highly about one of the team's young players who may have earned more playing time.
Rick Carlisle praises rookie wing Johnny Furphy
Against the Nets, Johnny Furphy, the 35th overall pick from this year's draft, had a career game. In the loss, the Kansas alum recorded 12 points on 4-for-9 shooting, seven rebounds, and a block in 25 minutes off the bench. This was the first time all season Furphy scored in double-digits.
After the game, Carlisle praised the Australian native and his performance against Brooklyn, calling him "a tough kid" who "knows how to play the game."
"We've liked him all along," Carlisle said. "We thought he was in the top 14 in the draft. He slipped into the second round for unknown reasons, probably because he looks like he is a middle-schooler. His young looks belie his toughness. He is a tough kid. He is solid, smart, knows how to play the game, a ball-mover and energy-giver. He did a lot of good things in this game, and we needed it."
Despite beginning the game on the bench, the Pacers opted to start Furphy in the second half against Brooklyn over Jackson, who replaced Andrew Nembhard in the starting lineup. In his expanded role, Furphy played his part well and looked solid.
Furphy is unlikely to be a regular starter for Indiana at any point this season, barring injuries. However, it is clear that he has talent and can contribute. If Carlisle's comments are any indication, Furphy should expect to see more time on the court in the near future as the Pacers aim to right the ship and prove they are playoff contenders once again.