Similar to other young teams like the Washington Wizards or Detroit Pistons, the Indiana Pacers gained talented rookies in the 2024 NBA Draft. The newest Pacers each has their strengths, however, they do have questions in their games that they need to address in the coming season. Here is a question that each rookie drafted to the Indiana Pacers has to answer during the 2024-25 NBA season.
1 Question For Each Indiana Pacers Rookie
Johnny Furphy
Question: Can Furphy improve as a defender?
The Pacers obtained Kansas wing Johnny Furphy from the San Antonio Spurs, who was selected Furphy with the 35th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. As a player, Furphy’s best attribute is his ability to shoot the ball in various ways. Additionally, Furphy has great positional size at six-foot-eight and is an excellent off-ball threat overall. Furphy had many good moments at Summer League that showed off what he can be as a player. His shooting in particular stood out throughout Summer League. Overall, Furphy’s skill set and Summer League performance made it clear that he can be an offensive threat in the future.
While Furphy has the skills to be a threat offensively, his defensive capabilities are lacking in comparison. He struggles guarding against quicker guards along the perimeter. Additionally, he has issues defending stronger players due to his slight frame. Due to his defensive deficiencies, the biggest question for Furphy this season is whether or not he can improve as a defender. He will need to improve his lateral quickness to defend guards better and become stronger to contend with stronger players. If Furphy can show improvement as a defender, it will allow him to be significantly more versatile as a player. His 3-and-D skill set would allow him to fit in any lineup. If improvements are made, there is a real chance for minutes in year two. Regardless, Furphy must put in the work to be a better defender.
Tristen Newton
Question: Can Newton improve his three-point shooting?
The Pacers selected Tristen Newton with the 49th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Newton‘s talents lie in his ability to do a bit of everything on the court. The UConn guard can get to the rim, play make for others, rebound, and defend well. While Newton didn’t have a great performance at Summer League, there were moments when his skills shined. He made his presence known on the glass as a rebounder and showed off his playmaking as a facilitator. While he didn’t have a great showing at Summer League, he has the skills and experience from college to be a successful player at the next level.
Despite being able to do a little bit of everything, Newton has his struggles as a shooter. He shot only 32.1% from three last season, which is not good enough. So, the question that Newton needs to address is whether he can improve as a three-point shooter. Much of the struggles he has from three is due to his shot selection. He needs to take easier looks from three instead of the off-the-dribble ones he usually takes. Focusing specifically on being a threat in catch-and-shoot situations would help his percentages. If Newton can improve his shooting, it will significantly improve his stock and increase his chances for success as a player.
Enrique Freeman
Question: Can Freeman continue to improve his three-point shooting?
The Pacers selected Enrique Freeman with the 50th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Freeman is a forward who plays with excellent motor and physicality. Furthermore, Freeman was a fantastic rebounder in college and was solid defensively despite his size at six-foot-seven. Also, he served well as a lob threat and roller to the basket. He had moments in Summer League where he showcased what he could provide on the floor. His defense and rebounding were apparent and he even had a game where he shot a perfect night from the field for 14 points.
Without a doubt, Freeman possesses many skills which would make him a successful role player. However, one area of improvement for Freeman is his three-point shooting. The big question for Freeman is whether he can improve as a shooter. He shot efficient 37% from three but on only 1.5 attempts per game. While he is an efficient shooter, it is important that he increases his attempts so that defenses will treat him as a threat from the outside. Not only that but becoming a viable shooter would give him more versatility than just being an undersized power forward. If Freeman can become better as a shooter, it will cement a place in the league for him and increase his value as a player.
