Wemby-mania? Old news. Today the loaded Pacers make their Summer League debut against the Washington Wizards.

The Pacers are bringing a "veteran" roster to the desert. Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard, though only rookies, were second and third on the team in total minutes played last season, respectively. While Isaiah Jackson's playing time was a bit more sporadic, he's going into his third year, which makes him ancient by Summer League standards.

The expectation is that all three of those players 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.

Of course Summer League is all about getting a first look at rookies and the Pacers have plenty of them on the roster. Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard, the team's first round picks, should both see plenty of the court. 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.

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.

The Pacers also have their two second round picks, Mojave King and Isaiah Wong, and undrafted free agent Oscar Tshiebwe on the roster. King will play overseas this year, though where exactly remains to be seen. Wong and Tshiebwe have signed Two-Way contracts and will split their time between the Pacers and the G-League accordingly. Both Wong and King have a good shot to perform well in Summer League. They are athletic, attacking guards, a prototype that tends to fare well in exhibition settings. Tshiebwe should pick up right where he left off at the University of Kentucky, swallowing up every rebound in sight... and hopefully doing a bit more than that as well.

The one player who may face the most scrutiny in Vegas is Kendall Brown. The second year forward is playing for the final Two-Way contract after a year of injuries prevented him from securing his position on the team. His game is about defense, athleticism, and activity. 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.

The last guy to pay attention to is Darius McGhee. He's pint-sized at 5'9" but he can simply score the rock. He has that Isaiah Thomas (2.0) ability to make tough shots from everywhere. He may not play much until Mathurin and Nembhard are shut down, but when he does, keep your eyes peeled.

The Wizards bring a few intriguing players to the table as well. The Walker-Coulibaly matchup is one watch as they were swapped for each other on draft night. Coulibaly's rise from fringe first round prospect to top-10 pick was nothing short of meteoric. His play in the French pro-league playoffs convinced NBA decision makers that he had on-ball creation potential and he'll look to continue his momentum in Vegas.

Johnny Davis, the Wizard's top selection from last year, is in need of a reset after a disappointing rookie campaign. He was a workhorse at the University of Wisconsin and you can expect him to be aggressive against the Pacers.

Tristan Vukcevic is a big man who worked out for the Pacers in the pre-draft process. He lit up an NBA Combine scrimmage, showing off his polished shooting ability. Whether or not he can play any defense is an open question but he's going to let it fly when he gets the ball.

After completing the Jordan Poole trade this week, the Wizards made two late additions to their team. Ryan Rollins and Patrick Baldwin Jr., both 2022 draft picks by the Warriors, will be suiting up for the Wizards. Baldwin Jr. is a former 5-star recruit who has failed to live up to the hype. A frequently injured 6'9'' shooter, he'll be trying to prove both that he's healthy and that he's ready to play NBA minutes. Rollins is a 6'4 combo guard who scored in bunched for the Toledo Rockets in college. Buried on the Warriors depth chart, he spent most of the year in the G-League, where he averaged 19.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

Pacers basketball is back baby! Let's get rocking and rolling in the comments.

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