With the Indiana Pacers’ Summer League concluding, some players emerged as winners, while others may have an uncertain future. Finishing with a 2-3 record in Las Vegas, the Pacers had a roster full of young talent that flashed their potential, all fighting to earn a roster spot. Some players with high expectations may have lost their chance, while other unknowns emerged and made life difficult for the Pacers front office.
Winners and Losers From Pacers Summer League
Winners
Jalen Slawson
Jalen Slawson was by far the standout player in Summer League for Indiana. Slawson, already having NBA experience with the Pacers (2025-26) and Kings (2023-24), impressed in every game over the last two weeks. Those brief stints in the league raised expectations of him this summer. The 26-year-old wing did not disappoint, proving he is NBA-ready and deserving of a roster spot.
Leading the Pacers Summer League team, Slawson was reliable on both sides of the ball, flashing his athleticism and versatility. He averaged 20.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 3.2 blocks while shooting 45.1% from the field. Slawson proved he could consistently play at a high level.
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 is a highly athletic forward and fits the Pacers’ style of play perfectly. He is fast, relentless and plays physical defense. Indiana’s pace of play is one of the most up-tempo in the league, and Slawson can fit in the system well with his attributes and experience. If anyone on the Pacers Summer League will earn a roster spot, Slawson is the most likely candidate.
Rienk Mast
Joining Indiana as an undrafted free agent, Rienk Mast impressed early, recording a double-double in his first game with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. The Nebraska product came into Summer League as a player flying under the radar, and he made a name for himself throughout his time in Vegas.
Rienk Mast with a double-double to open Summer League play 😈 pic.twitter.com/7lPWg5lpsq
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 10, 2026
Mast was an excellent center for Indiana during the summer, recording 15.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while connecting on 47.9% of his shots. Mast’s nine boards per game ranked sixth in Summer League. Mast played consistently on both sides of the ball and dominated the glass whenever he was on the court.
Indiana has struggled on the boards over the past few years, and if Mast makes the main roster, the Pacers could further bolster their rebounding abilities after adding Ivica Zubac at the deadline. Mast is a young big man who could develop before getting serious minutes. His performance and ability to rebound would make for another great addition to the Pacers’ deep bench.
Yuki Kawamura
Yuki Kawamura was another player with prior NBA experience on the Pacers Summer League team, and he instantly injected energy off the bench every game. Kawamura was yet another Pacer flying under the radar, and he quickly became a fan favorite.
Kawamura averaged 8.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 34.4% overall. While his stat line may not look the most impressive at first glance, Kawamura only averaged 17.5 minutes. What he does best is immediately provide a spark on offense from the moment his number is called. Kawamura is the ultimate sixth man, and he executed his role well on the Pacers Summer League team.
Kawamura impressed coaches and fans alike in Summer League with his creative passes and flashy playing style. In Indiana’s final game against the New Orleans Pelicans, he recorded 12 of the Pacers’ 28 assists. Kawamura proved he is a team-first player, creating opportunities for his teammates before scoring himself. He used his skillset to his advantage as a way to try and earn a roster spot, and it just might work.
Yuki Kawamura was setting the table all night for Indy!
A game-high 12 assists in the @NBASummerLeague win over New Orleans 🤝 pic.twitter.com/MvuVZBuVsz
— NBA (@NBA) July 19, 2026
Pacers fan-favorite undersized guard T.J. McConnell is coming closer to the end of his career, and Indiana may be looking for a replacement. Kawamura and McConnell share similar playing styles as small but energetic guards. Kawamura and fellow Pacers Summer League guard Braden Smith are potential replacements who could develop into the next McConnell, and Kawamura made sure the Pacers wouldn’t ignore him when deciding roster spots.
