The Pacers took care of business in their first game of the Summer League season, defeating the Washington Wizards by a score of 91-83.
Player Reviews
The expectation is that [Mathurin, Nembhard, and Jackson] should look "too good" against the talent they'll face this week (or for however long they actually play). The Pacers roster is deep and the position battles are shaping up to be fierce. If any of Mathurin, Nembhard, or Jackson were to struggle in Summer League – Nemby or Jackson in particular – it would be an inauspicious start to a year where playing time will be earned, not given.
Mission accomplished. The three vets looked like real NBA players. Jackson finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, and a Summer-League-special eight fouls. He played more or less like the player we've come to know and love. He was active, athletic, and occasionally did some head scratching. It looks like his off-season strength and conditioning program is paying off, as he seemed stronger than years past.
Mathurin, similarly, played very much on brand. He poured in 27 points on 21 shots, shot a team high six free throws, and had zero assists with four turnovers. He's a scorer, and a talent one at that, but any rumors of improved playmaking skills should be met with skepticism.
Nembhard looked totally in control of the game for long stretches, furthering the idea that he deserves minutes as the lead guard next season. While his 14 points and eight assists were crucial to the win, he also turned the ball over eight times.
The Pacers didn't take Walker 7th overall because they thought he'd be a lights-out scorer, so don't expect him to pour in the points here either. If Walker is to make an impact next year, it will be through lockdown defense, smart playmaking, and shooting well enough to require a closeout from his defender. Seeing flashes of those things in Summer League will be enough to keep the enthusiasm about Walker high.
Walker was the star of the show. Let's address the elephant head on, he did not shoot well. The scoring is going to take a while to come around. But everything else... boy it sure looked special. He was everywhere defensively coming away with three steals, three blocks, 13 rebounds, and a handful of deflections and poke-aways that don't show up in the box score.
Jarace Walker said NO. 😤
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 9, 2023
Jarace protects the rim and Kendall Brown gets the layup to go in transition.#PacersSummer pic.twitter.com/BjSWDKjfZz
doing it all. 🔥
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 9, 2023
Jarace Walker with the steal and score.#PacersSummer pic.twitter.com/gwiTbrOHfA
Jarace Walker showing his presence in the paint with a SWAT. 🚫#PacersSummer pic.twitter.com/X2HG844w0t
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 9, 2023
The defense was as good as advertised, but the passing was a cherry on top. He dropped 5 assists, all of which showed real passing ability. He had a behind the back drop off, a quick touch pass, and this beauty in transition.
Jarace Walker dropping dimes to Isaiah Jackson in transition. 🪙#PacersSummer pic.twitter.com/8rtBiQaFBo
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 9, 2023
Sheppard is billed as a 3-and-D specialist who has upside as a secondary playmaker. Playing tough perimeter defense will be important if he wants minutes during the regular season – but let's be honest, we all just want to see him shoot the lights out. If he looks like he can play the Buddy Hield role eventually, the rest is gravy on top.
Sheppard unfortunately was totally forgettable. Despite playing over 27 minutes, he only took four shots, missing all of them. His only point came from a trip to the line where he went 1-of-2. It's only his first Summer League game so I won't make any judgments. Let's just hope he finds his sea legs at some point this week.
The one player who may face the most scrutiny in Vegas is Kendall Brown... I want to see him be a terror defensively, guarding up and down the lineup and living in passing lanes. If he looks like he can play NBA defense and fly in transition, I have a hard time seeing the Pacers let him go.
Kendall Brown did exactly what I asked of him. He was incredibly active defensively, finishing with five emphatic blocks, nine points, and four rebounds. I'm on his bandwagon and looking forward seeing him fight his way into the rotation.
All things considered, that game scratched the Pacers basketball itch. With the strong showing on the court today and the big money signings off the court this week, the vibes around the team are at an all time high. Can't wait to see them suit up against Anthony Black and the Orlando Magic on Monday.
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