Young Pacers prospect Jalen Slawson has shined in Summer League and has proven he’s ready for the NBA with his production over the summer. Slawson, a small forward, has led Indiana’s Summer League team and has impressed on both sides of the ball.
This Young Pacers Prospect has Proven he is NBA Ready
Slawson, having spent the 2023-24 season with the Sacramento Kings for a brief time, joined the Pacers in the 2025-26 season on a two-way contract, playing 13 games towards the end of the season. Starting six games over that period, the Pacers prospect showed promising play on both sides of the ball and strong shot-blocking ability. During his time in Indiana, Slawson averaged 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game on an average of 23.9 minutes per game while shooting 44.2%.
Jalen Slawson vs Blazers tonight:
17 points
2 threes
1 steal
3 blocks
37 minutesThis chase-down block specialist has racked up 8 blocks and 6 steals in just the past 3 games.
Stream worthy, but just note, he is on a two-way contract with few games left, so he won’t play… pic.twitter.com/4DdngK0i75
— Not Locked On Fantasy Basketball (@MaarkyBoy) March 19, 2026
Now fighting for a roster spot for the upcoming season, Slawson has put on stellar performances throughout Summer League. Four games in, the Furman product is 15th in Summer League for points per game, at 20.5. Along with scoring, Slawson has averaged seven rebounds, 2.5 assists, and three blocks per game. His three blocks per game make him 3rd in the league for that statistic. Slawson has shot 42.9% over his four games.
And-1 layup.
Chasedown block.
Steal.
Fast-break alley-oop assist.Jalen Slawson showing off his two-way impact at NBA Summer League on ESPN2 🔥 pic.twitter.com/irgtDv0Jyi
— NBA (@NBA) July 10, 2026
Slawson Deserves a Roster Spot with Indiana
The Pacers have a few open roster spots remaining, including multiple two-way contracts. Slawson has done what he needs to do to earn a contract with Indiana. The Pacers prospect fits Indiana’s play style perfectly. Athletic, fast-paced, versatile, and physical. Slawson and his versatility would be a great deep-bench piece for Indiana, with his play similar to that of the Pacers’ new addition, Kelly Oubre Jr., who seems to be the right fit for Indiana.
Among the players on Indiana’s Summer League roster, Slawson has been one of the highest performing and the most consistent. Being one of the few players on the Summer League team with NBA experience, Slawson had high expectations coming into Las Vegas and was not a player flying under the radar on the roster. Leading the team on the court by providing reliable versatility on both sides of the ball, the Pacers prospect has been living up to expectations.
Indiana already has a very crowded and talented forward group; however, Slawson’s performance deserves a spot on the team. The Pacers already have one of the best benches in the NBA, and adding Slawson at the back end of the bench would be an amazing addition. The 6-7 forward wouldn’t see much playing time, yet his promising abilities are worth developing, and he has enough NBA experience to fill in when needed if the team is thin due to injury or is digging deep into the bench.
The Pacers already face a tougher season after Eastern Conference teams have upgraded their rosters, so making any small addition to fill in weaknesses to make a stronger all-around roster should be a priority. The Pacers were near the bottom of the NBA in rebounds, steals, and blocks per game last season, and the Pacers prospect would be another addition to help address these issues next season and make another run to the NBA Finals.
Slawson Has Earned His Chance
Between Slawson’s impressive Summer League showing, previous NBA Experience, team fit, and flashy, promising abilities, he is more than deserving of a roster spot. Indiana’s 2026 Summer League squad will face off one last time against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, and Slawson will attempt to remain consistent and become impossible to ignore by the Pacers’ front office when it comes to deciding who makes the final cut.
Photo Credit: Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
