Summer league roster

[Pacers Forever]

While it’s only one game into his career Ryan Nembhard’s performance yesterday really makes you scratch your head about the Pacers passing him by.
8-14 and 1-2 from 3 4-4 FT for 21 points with 5 assists 1 steal 2 rebounds and 3 turnovers


On a different note surprising how Cole Swider has
been on a tear for the Lakers summer league team.
6-9 from 3 4-6 FT 10 rebounds 1 assist for 22 points
I still wouldn’t be interested but maybe another year in the G league did him some good from what we saw ? He might get a look from a team who relies on chucking 3’s as part of their offense since that’s about the extent of his game.

I saw that former Mad Ant Kyle Mangas played for the Spurs squad and had 11 points.

[Pacers Forever]

First summer league game tonight. Anyone going to watch?

I just watched it on replay.

My quick thoughts-

Peter was very impressive. On both ends of the court. His numbers don't stand out but he was consistently doing the right things. Kid is just a pure basketball player. Very efficient. He only shot 5 times but good passing, good defense. I thought Peter and QJ were the best players for the Pacers. QJ bringing a very high efficient shooting game (8-10 FG, 7-7 FT) and he brought his intensity on both ends of the court. Peter was also a game best +12.

Just saw the highlights,... couldn't agree more on Peter,... He is the kinda player that Coach just loves. Every time we had a offensive transition play,... when he was supposed to,.. he was sprinting to the corner,... no teaching moment needed there.

Defensively, his on-ball D was really good,... but I was just in awe off ball,... He followed his man, his movement was impeccable, knowing where to guard in space to cut off driving & passing lanes, & when to body his man on cuts & movement. Yeah,... like you said, doesn't show up in the box score,.. but that was impressive.

Freeman i wasn't impressed. He ended the game with clutch free throws but his offensive game looks uncertain whenever he gets the ball, few times it seemed like a east bucket or dunk and he ended up making it difficult and sometimes fouled as a result.

I liked where Freeman was playing on the court, on both ends,... but he just looked like he lacked explosion? That definitely was not a problem last year. in 24-25 summer, he was WAY above the rim,... this game it looked like he was struggling to get just over the rim?

RayJ Dennis is a nifty offensive player and seems he can score at will (atleast vs this level of play) but he plays zero defense. As a team i thought the Pacers played very poor defense. Cleveland had a lot of easy buckets.

Wild stat IMO was the Cavs had 37 fouls in the game, including a fragrant one (on Jackson and-one dunk) and a missed elbow (Furphy).

I thought a key play was Peter forcing a steal with like 1:40 left in the game, which if he doesn't get the steal it probably ends up as another lay up for the Cavs and the score just might be out of reach to come back from. Granted, Peter gave the ball away on a poor pass, but the Pacers were able to get back on defense and Freeman blocked the attempt, Cavs kept the ball and then shot a air ball. Little play like that doesn't show up big on the scoresheet but that was a key play to continue the comeback.

Kam Jones wasn't 100% and looked nervous i thought. I think making a debut and not being 100% must be very tough. He had some flashes what he can do but there was a lot a lot of sloppy mixed in.

Furphy started out looking good until an elbow to the head and his day was done. Taelon Peter got more minutes in his place with 28 minutes compared to Kam Jones 20 minutes. Phillip Wheeler had a solid game with 15 points. Enrique Freeman had 19 points and 7 rebounds in a team high 30 minutes. Quenton Jackson fueled the comeback in the third quarter with a huge effort offensively and defensively. He finished with 24 points on 8-10 shooting. Ray J Dennis led the scoring with 26 points and 9 assists playing aggressively on both ends. As a team the Pacers shot 59% and 40% from 3. Cavs also shot about the same. Cavs had 12 more fouls and 6 more rebounds than the Pacers. Rest of the stats were close.

Had much the same overall reaction that you two had. Peter looked like he was playing in his second or third year of his rookie contract. He looked at least as athletic as anyone else on the court (including Q - who we know is an NBA athlete),... and frankly looked more athletic than all but a couple. He looked to me like Shep looked last year,.. only much more confident & decisive?

Furphy, for the time he was in,... looked incredible. His footwork seemed quicker to me? You guys posted that coach said he is 20 pounds heavier this summer,... he looks it, definitely bigger & stronger (he set some really nice screens that he simply couldn't have last year)... until he starts to move,... his change of speed was always good, and he showed it in this game,... but he had a WAY better first step than last summer? His floor skills overall looked better to me,.. more confident, more decisive? He was making some pretty quick decisions & reads? He may not look as good against bigger, stronger, quicker competition in the full league,... but he looked like a lottery pick playin in the summer league, until the elbow.

Freeman played OK? but didn't look like the Freeman from last summer? his mobility did not look right to me.

Wheeler looked good,... but he was playing mostly inside (from what I could see?) and got pushed around a lot. He is either going to need to get heavier & muscle up, or develop more of a floor game to move to a true wing?

Kam - It seemed like he was just there? Like you said 'nervous',... or just excited, but over thinking?... but wow!,... does he look big (shoulder width) for a guard?... that's a good thing,.. but I first thought he was a linebacker?

Q looked like Q, playing at this level, he's a stud. Playing at the next level his efficiency seems to drop a bit? but here,... he looked good. If Peter does make the Boom,... they are going to have 1 outstanding backcourt this year!

Only 1 game in but I was impressed with Peter more than my post shows. I also saw the resemblance to Sheppard in his play. I really hope Kam can show out before summer league ends so we can see his game. Just don’t know how hurt he is currently and it’s disappointing to see our first round draft pick bested by our second round pick and by Nembhard.

Q was definitely impressive yesterday and he showed he belongs in the big league as a bench player. He dominated in the third quarter. Ray J had a decent game yesterday and hopefully he can continue to grow.

I wasn’t as down on Enrique Freeman however after seeing him play last season and seeing him play in a Mad Ants game in person I think he’s a hustling player that tries to make plays for a positive impact. He was a walk on in college and worked hard enough in the right program to succeed and get to the G league. He’s not got the best shot, doesn’t have the height to play center although he does, not sure if he’ll ever be a power forward either, and just is scrappy enough to make a few positive plays. Currently I hate to say it but I think he’s the obvious choice to be sent to the Boom. Peter, Q, and Ray J are my current choices for the two way spots.

[Wizop]

Just saw the highlights,... couldn't agree more on Peter,... He is the kinda player that Coach just loves. Every time we had a offensive transition play,... when he was supposed to,.. he was sprinting to the corner,... no teaching moment needed there.

Peter is more athletic than previously described. he was a state high jump champion in high school and thought his future was in track until fate took him to a school with a basketball program and no track program. while he came off the bench at Liberty, that was because when the coach told him he'd start, he declined the promotion saying he didn't want to hurt the confidence of the starters.

[jowglenn]

Taelon Peter led college basketball in True Shooting % last year. He was fifth in 2P %.

There's some secret efficiency there that can't be denied

[JMaster5K]

Taelon Peter led college basketball in True Shooting % last year. He was fifth in 2P %.

There's some secret efficiency there that can't be denied

That it part of what has me so hopeful for his game & the Pacers. He was and is so efficient. Usually someone with such good efficiency numbers isn't shooting as many deep shots as he does. Usually someone with such good efficiency is getting a huge chunk of catch & shoot opportunities. They aren't as athletic & someone is feeding their shot diet. His tape showed a lot of movement shooting, from cuts, from screens, even broken plays where he was moving, catching, turning square,.. and just dropping shots.

I'm still surprised & frankly a bit awed by some of what I saw,... yeah, they were highlights,.. but still,...pretty impressive on both ends. If we don't re-sign I-Jax,... or waive Bradley,... I could really see Peter getting a roster spot?.... Yeah, it's just summer league,... but?...

[Wizop]

If we don't re-sign I-Jax,... or waive Bradley,... I could really see Peter getting a roster spot?.... Yeah, it's just summer league,... but?...

or we could give that standard spot to RayJ or Q and their two-way spot to Peter. it's beginning to look like iJax is holding out for more than we're offering.

[JMaster5K]

If we don't re-sign I-Jax,... or waive Bradley,... I could really see Peter getting a roster spot?.... Yeah, it's just summer league,... but?...

or we could give that standard spot to RayJ or Q and their two-way spot to Peter. it's beginning to look like iJax is holding out for more than we're offering.

Yeah,... I get the feeling that you are spot on, my friend. Sadly,... it's starting to feel like some people,.. maybe agents? are trying to take advantage of the Pacers center issues? Cause KP said he thought we were in a good place with I-Jax?... but that was a week ago & nothing seems to be moving?

That would explain holding onto Bradley,... without I-Jax, he would be our only rebounding, rim defending 5?

In any case,... if we start the season with Huff, Wiseman, & Bradley,... I'm good.

We started 83-84 before with Stipanovich & Granville Waiters,.... So,.. frankly,... We've had worse situations?.....

(no knock on Stipo or Granville,... but neither was going to be more than a rotation, fill in. Stipo gave us everything he had, every night,... just wasn't much he could do against NBA competition, when his knees had already started to go.)

[JMaster5K]

If we don't re-sign I-Jax,... or waive Bradley,... I could really see Peter getting a roster spot?.... Yeah, it's just summer league,... but?...

or we could give that standard spot to RayJ or Q and their two-way spot to Peter. it's beginning to look like iJax is holding out for more than we're offering.

Yeah,... I get the feeling that you are spot on, my friend. Sadly,... it's starting to feel like some people,.. maybe agents? are trying to take advantage of the Pacers center issues? Cause KP said he thought we were in a good place with I-Jax?... but that was a week ago & nothing seems to be moving?

That would explain holding onto Bradley,... without I-Jax, he would be our only rebounding, rim defending 5?

In any case,... if we start the season with Huff, Wiseman, & Bradley,... I'm good.

We started 83-84 before with Stipanovich & Granville Waiters,.... So,.. frankly,... We've had worse situations?.....

(no knock on Stipo or Granville,... but neither was going to be more than a rotation, fill in. Stipo gave us everything he had, every night,... just wasn't much he could do against NBA competition, when his knees had already started to go.)

Edit:

Less than 5 minutes ago from Shams:

Free agent center Isaiah Jackson has agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal to return to the Indiana Pacers, CAA's Drew Morrison and Sam Rose tell ESPN. Pacers are excited about Jackson's development, return, and now lock in a young member of their core.

[Pacers Forever]

Read on Twitter

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[ButterflyRave]

If we don't re-sign I-Jax,... or waive Bradley,... I could really see Peter getting a roster spot?.... Yeah, it's just summer league,... but?...

or we could give that standard spot to RayJ or Q and their two-way spot to Peter. it's beginning to look like iJax is holding out for more than we're offering.

I’m questioning if Peter should even get a two way at all. I’m not crystal clear on how draft rights work, but they don’t lose his rights if they don’t give him a standard or two way contract. For example, up until last month, they still had Mojave King’s rights after he spent only 23-24 with the mad ants.

If he needs g league run to develop, can’t they just let him play for the boom all year and reassess next year? Do we see him getting minutes for the Pacers?

[Wizop]

If we don't re-sign I-Jax,... or waive Bradley,... I could really see Peter getting a roster spot?.... Yeah, it's just summer league,... but?...

or we could give that standard spot to RayJ or Q and their two-way spot to Peter. it's beginning to look like iJax is holding out for more than we're offering.

I’m questioning if Peter should even get a two way at all. I’m not crystal clear on how draft rights work, but they don’t lose his rights if they don’t give him a standard or two way contract. For example, up until last month, they still had Mojave King’s rights after he spent only 23-24 with the mad ants.

If he needs g league run to develop, can’t they just let him play for the boom all year and reassess next year? Do we see him getting minutes for the Pacers?

I think he'd have to play in a foreign country for us to keep his rights. That's a post Larry Bird Day draft rule.

[ButterflyRave]

I’m questioning if Peter should even get a two way at all. I’m not crystal clear on how draft rights work, but they don’t lose his rights if they don’t give him a standard or two way contract. For example, up until last month, they still had Mojave King’s rights after he spent only 23-24 with the mad ants.

If he needs g league run to develop, can’t they just let him play for the boom all year and reassess next year? Do we see him getting minutes for the Pacers?

I think he'd have to play in a foreign country for us to keep his rights. That's a post Larry Bird Day draft rule.

Was that rule change made after Thanasis Antetokounmpo in 2014?

[Wizop]

I’m questioning if Peter should even get a two way at all. I’m not crystal clear on how draft rights work, but they don’t lose his rights if they don’t give him a standard or two way contract. For example, up until last month, they still had Mojave King’s rights after he spent only 23-24 with the mad ants.

If he needs g league run to develop, can’t they just let him play for the boom all year and reassess next year? Do we see him getting minutes for the Pacers?

I think he'd have to play in a foreign country for us to keep his rights. That's a post Larry Bird Day draft rule.

Was that rule change made after Thanasis Antetokounmpo in 2014?

No after Boston drafted Bird and he played another year at Indiana State.

[JMaster5K]

I think he'd have to play in a foreign country for us to keep his rights. That's a post Larry Bird Day draft rule.

Was that rule change made after Thanasis Antetokounmpo in 2014?

No after Boston drafted Bird and he played another year at Indiana State.

https://moorebasketball.com/2016/05/30/how-it-works-draft-rights-and-signing-draft-picks/

An explanation of draft rights. If I remember correctly, the G League does not put a hold on the draft rights, so you could offer the tender & keep their rights for 1 year. If nothing, then they become a rookie free agent. I don’t believe, could be wrong, that a GLeague contract is considered an NBA contract? But it’s not considered a foreign league contract either?

[Pacers Forever]

Summer squad mauled today by the Thunder 104-85. Pretty ugly game for the Pacers with 19 turnovers and inefficiency from 3 doomed them early in the game. Shooting 40% overall and 19% from 3 is not winning basketball. OKC looked better


The ugly
Ray J had 5 turnovers and went 1-10 shooting
Kam Jones and Johnny Furphy 0-12 from 3
3 OKC players go 7-10, 8-10, and 8-11 shooting shows a lack of Pacers defense


The good
Enrique Freeman double doubles 11 rebounds with 15 points on 4-5 shooting 5-6 FT plus 2-2 from 3
Taelon Peter 6-10 and 3-7 from 3 for 15 points
Rob Baker 5-6 for 15 points
Kam Jones played 30 minutes

[Pacers Forever]

Taelon Peter is looking more poised than I remember Sheppard looking in SL and I think the Pacers will have a tough decision on whether he will get a standard contract roster spot or a two way. He plays in control and doesn’t seem lost, shy, or trying to be the the hero. More and more he’s looking like he deserves a better fate than being sent down to the Boom. He’s looking like a potential steal in my opinion.

[Wizop]

Taelon Peter is looking more poised than I remember Sheppard looking in SL and I think the Pacers will have a tough decision on whether he will get a standard contract roster spot or a two way. He plays in control and doesn’t seem lost, shy, or trying to be the the hero. More and more he’s looking like he deserves a better fate than being sent down to the Boom. He’s looking like a potential steal in my opinion.

Whatever contract he gets, he should play mostly in Noblesville. Two-ways are limited to 50 games and aren't in the playoffs. It'll be interesting to see who gets 15th.

[JMaster5K]

Summer squad mauled today by the Thunder 104-85. Pretty ugly game for the Pacers with 19 turnovers and inefficiency from 3 doomed them early in the game. Shooting 40% overall and 19% from 3 is not winning basketball. OKC looked better


The ugly
Ray J had 5 turnovers and went 1-10 shooting
Kam Jones and Johnny Furphy 0-12 from 3
3 OKC players go 7-10, 8-10, and 8-11 shooting shows a lack of Pacers defense


The good
Enrique Freeman double doubles 11 rebounds with 15 points on 4-5 shooting 5-6 FT plus 2-2 from 3
Taelon Peter 6-10 and 3-7 from 3 for 15 points
Rob Baker 5-6 for 15 points
Kam Jones played 30 minutes

Just watched the highlights,... The only 2 guys I saw that generally impressed me on both ends were Furphy & Peter? Furphy was definitely hunting offense. His defense didn't look bad, but he got stuck on an island a couple of times because the team didn't rotate. Peter didn't seem to be hunting offense,... he just took shots when he had to? 2 of his 3's came with under 5 left on the shot clock & he had to let fly. His 3 2's, were all essentially bunnies, from being in the right place in the rotation. (Which is a very good thing, particularly for summer league.)

Baker looked long,... longer than Furphy, but didn't seem to know where to use that length? Again,... Freeman was in the right places this game, but he still, to me, doesn't look as explosive as last year? Though he was able to body up in this game.

[Pacers Forever]

Bulls vs Pacers tonight 6pm

[Wizop]

I've long known that we could have 21 players under contract in the off season but I didn't realize there was not a limit of 3 two-ways within that 21. We can sign both Freeman and Peter to two-ways now and sort it out later.