Summer League is now underway, and before the Pacers Summer League team tips off, some players may not be getting the attention they deserve. In the grand scheme of the NBA, Summer League is not very important for teams. However, it provides a platform for young players to showcase their talents and make a case for inclusion on a team’s roster.
Some players on the Pacers Summer League team — like Braden Smith, their second-round draft pick and all-time NCAA Men’s assist leader — as well as returners like Taelon Peter and Jalen Slawson — who earned minutes during the 2025-26 season — are getting most of the attention as the players to watch. This leaves the opportunity for some unnoticed players to surprise viewers and the team, making a case to earn a roster spot in Indiana.
The Pacers play their first game on Friday, July 10th, at 4:30 p.m. ET against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Throughout the Pacers’ Summer League games, here are three underrated players who could be worth watching.
3 Pacers Summer League Players Flying Under the Radar
Tamin Lipsey
Tamin Lipsey, an undersized guard at 6’1″ and 200 pounds, was a four-year starter at Iowa State. Lipsey comes into the NBA as a very strong defensive guard, with the ability to produce consistently on offense as well. Starting all 137 games played at Iowa State, Lipsey quickly established his role as a primary ball handler and defensive anchor for the Cyclones. During his time in college, Lipsey was recognized for his level of play and finished his career with a plethora of accolades. From his sophomore to senior year, he earned three consecutive Big 12 All-Defensive Team selections, three All-Big 12 nods, and finished 25th in NCAA history for career Defensive Box Plus/Minus (5.8). He also holds the Iowa State record for career steals (314) and steals per game in a season (2.7 in 2023-24),
As a senior, Lipsey led the Big 12 in steals (77) and steals per game (2.3), all while averaging 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists. Notably, he also had a great offensive rating of 122.9 and a standout defensive rating of 96.3, showing how versatile he is, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With numbers like this, it is clear that Lipsey was one of the best defensive guards in all of college basketball.
Tamin Lipsey ranks as one of the top defenders in all of college basketball. He’s in the 97th percentile in overall defense, holding opponents to just 31.7% shooting. Where he truly excels is guarding P&R ball handlers, ranking in the 94th percentile and allowing a PPP of just… pic.twitter.com/Lp0aWZwnuE
— the center hub (@thecenterhub_bb) October 3, 2024
Lipsey can disrupt offenses by generating steals and breaking up passes. His smaller size never seems to be an issue, as he always plays up-tempo and with plenty of physicality, which fits in perfectly with the Pacers’ play style. Lipsey plays on-ball defense at a very high level, never allowing a player to gain space and create an open shot. He fights through screens and always makes ball handlers work, attempting to force a turnover.
Offensively, similarly to fellow rookie Pacers guard Braden Smith, Lipsey shows high basketball IQ and makes the correct reads when passing. He is a selfless player and always looks to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Lipsey is also dangerous from the mid-range and can create space with quick ball handling.
Lipsey can be compared to the Pacers undersized guard T.J. McConnell. They both share the ability to play relentless defense, disrupt offenses, and create plays through ball handling. Lipsey will have to make a strong case to earn a roster spot and will need to showcase his ability to play both ways. He is already behind Braden Smith, which makes his path to the team more complicated; however, he creates good competition for Smith. Lipsey could easily earn a two-way contract with Indiana and develop into a replacement for the aging McConnell in the years to come.
