{"id":205283,"date":"2026-07-20T09:00:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T13:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=205283"},"modified":"2026-07-19T19:30:30","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T23:30:30","slug":"pacers-summer-league-wl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/20\/pacers-summer-league-wl\/","title":{"rendered":"Winners and Losers From Pacers Summer League"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With the Indiana Pacers&#8217; 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.<\/p>\n<h2>Winners and Losers From Pacers Summer League<\/h2>\n<h3>Winners<\/h3>\n<h4>Jalen Slawson<\/h4>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/slawsja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Slawson<\/a> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/17\/pacers-prospect-nba\/\" target=\"_self\">he is NBA-ready<\/a> and deserving of a roster spot.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">And-1 layup.<br \/>Chasedown block.<br \/>Steal.<br \/>Fast-break alley-oop assist.<\/p>\n<p>Jalen Slawson showing off his two-way impact at NBA Summer League on ESPN2 \ud83d\udd25 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/irgtDv0Jyi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/irgtDv0Jyi<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NBA\/status\/2075699538351042963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 10, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Slawson is a highly athletic forward and fits the Pacers&#8217; style of play perfectly. He is fast, relentless and plays physical defense. Indiana&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<h4>Rienk Mast<\/h4>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: 800px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"b0c95bc04383cef69c6b47df872135cf\" image-id=\"WmOBfKqNFcdM\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 5200px; aspect-ratio: 5200\/3826;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<p>Joining Indiana as an undrafted free agent, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/rienk-mast-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rienk Mast<\/a> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/08\/pacers-summer-league\/\" target=\"_self\">player flying under the radar<\/a>, and he made a name for himself throughout his time in Vegas.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Rienk Mast with a double-double to open Summer League play \ud83d\ude08 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/7lPWg5lpsq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/7lPWg5lpsq<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Pacers\/status\/2075713030579441846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 10, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>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 <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/z\/zubaciv01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ivica Zubac<\/a> 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&#8217; deep bench.<\/p>\n<h4>Yuki Kawamura<\/h4>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kawamyu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Yuki Kawamura<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/12\/yuki-kawamura-pacers\/\" target=\"_self\">Kawamura<\/a> impressed coaches and fans alike in Summer League with his creative passes and flashy playing style. In Indiana&#8217;s final game against the New Orleans Pelicans,\u00a0 he recorded 12 of the Pacers&#8217; 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.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Yuki Kawamura was setting the table all night for Indy!<\/p>\n<p>A game-high 12 assists in the <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NBASummerLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NBASummerLeague<\/a> win over New Orleans \ud83e\udd1d <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/MvuVZBuVsz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/MvuVZBuVsz<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NBA\/status\/2078682205451067610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 19, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Pacers fan-favorite undersized guard <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mccontj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">T.J. McConnell<\/a> 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 <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/braden-smith-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Braden Smith<\/a> are potential replacements who could develop into the next McConnell, and Kawamura made sure the Pacers wouldn&#8217;t ignore him when deciding roster spots.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h3>Losers<\/h3>\n<h4>Tamin Lipsey<\/h4>\n<p>A defensive standout at Iowa State, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/tamin-lipsey-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tamin Lipsey<\/a> had the chance to impress and earn a spot with Indiana as another potential future replacement for T.J. McConnell. Yet another undersized guard, Lipsey was a stronger defender than Kawamura or Smith; however, he struggled during Summer League.<\/p>\n<p>Lipsey started the summer with the first unit, but he stalled offensively and did not make the most of his opportunities. He averaged 3.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and an assist during his time with the Pacers Summer League team. He quickly saw his minutes disappear after being a non-factor in the two games he played.<\/p>\n<p>Lipsey was still able to guard opponents well; however, his ineffectiveness on offense created uncertainty about his future. Lipsey could remain with the Pacers&#8217; G League team next season, but his performance this summer was poor, with several teammates outshining him.<\/p>\n<h4>Taelon Peter<\/h4>\n<p>Similarly to Jalen Slawson, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/peterta01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Taelon Peter<\/a> was one of the few players on the Pacers Summer League team with prior NBA experience. Peter averaged 12.9 minutes over 38 games for the Pacers this past season. In Summer League, the guard averaged 10.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.<\/p>\n<p>Peter was a reliable scorer for Indiana; however, he did not impress much outside of that. He had a decent shot at making the Pacers&#8217; roster by already being with them last year. His stats were not the worst, yet other players made more out of their opportunities instead, weakening Peter&#8217;s chances to earn another contract with Indiana.<\/p>\n<h4>Braden Smith<\/h4>\n<p>It may be somewhat shocking that the Pacers&#8217; second-round pick ends up as a loser after Summer League. However, Braden Smith underwhelmed as a scorer. He stood out when it came to assists &#8212; finishing fourth in that category &#8212; but he had a rough time shooting. Smith averaged 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists through Summer League, shooting a horrific 26.5%.<\/p>\n<p>Indiana saw Smith as another McConnell replacement, thanks in large part to his playmaking. Smith was a high-level passer in college, being the all-time NCAA career assist leader, and those skills translated to Summer League. The issue is that a good floor general needs to be a consistent scoring option, and the Pacers will need Smith to improve in that realm if he wants to succeed in the NBA.<\/p>\n<p>Smith tried to do too much with the ball and forced many shots that did not fall. Because of this, his Summer League performance was tainted compared to his expectations, especially considering Indiana traded into the draft to select him. Just because Smith was a loser in the Pacers Summer League does not mean the rest of his future is bleak. Indiana hasn&#8217;t given up on their second-round pick, and he could easily develop while on his current two-way contract.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">In 5 games of Summer League action, Braden Smith \u2014the Indiana Pacers No. 38 overall pick\u2014finished with a total of 34 points on 9-34 shooting, 35 assists, and 14 turnovers. <\/p>\n<p>6.8 ppg<br \/>7.0 apg<br \/>2.8 topg<\/p>\n<p>26.5% shooting <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/RYGIGFpSe6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/RYGIGFpSe6<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/AlexGoldenNBA\/status\/2078690586702352627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 19, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span>\u00a9 Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the Indiana Pacers&#8217; 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5894,"featured_media":205620,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,11,62,3],"tags":[49532,50518,1224,3147,49401],"class_list":["post-205283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-pacers","category-nba","category-news","tag-braden-smith","tag-jalen-slawson","tag-nba-summer-league","tag-tj-mcconnell","tag-yuki-kawamura"],"modified_by":"Jordan Pagkalinawan, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5894"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=205283"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":205621,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205283\/revisions\/205621"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/205620"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=205283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=205283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=205283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}