GOOD NEWS Pacers Summer League – Rookie Verdicts From the Inside

 

Although they had no first-round pick in 2025, the Pacers bolstered their roster by selecting **Marquette guard Kameron Jones** and **Liberty’s Taelon Peter** in the second round—moves that brought seasoned college talent into the mix Summer League veteran **Johnny Furphy**, now in his second year, shifted from being the youngest player to filling an unofficial “veteran” role on the Vegas roster. He had plenty to say about the newcomers.

### ✅ Furphy on the Rookies

 

“I like them,” Furphy offered bluntly. “I think they’re super skilled. Yeah, I’m really excited to see what they can do… my first impression is that they’re definitely super skilled.”

He noted both Jones and Peter are more polished than he was at their stage—bringing maturity and college seasoning that set them apart as sleeper assets.

 

A polished playmaker, Jones averaged 19.2 points and 5.9 assists in college. Though his outside shot needs work, the guard is already being earmarked for more opportunity next season, particularly if Tyrese Haliburton’s status remains in flux

Peter led the nation in true shooting percentage as a sixth man. Furphy lauded him as an “overlooked prospect” whose efficiency can translate to a rotational role—though, as a small-school product, breaking into the top rotation remains a challenge

 

### 📌 Johnny Furphy (Second-Year Guard)

 

Furphy has embraced a leadership position. In Las Vegas, he threw up the game-winner against the Phoenix Suns, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds, and two steals  While expressing praise for the rookies, he also projected confidence in his own veteran-like presence as a standard-beare

## 🔍 Seeing Through Vegas Lens: 2024 Summer League Takeaways

 

Although the spotlight has shifted this year to the new draft class, the Pacers’ Summer League performances in 2024 still offer valuable context—and a preview of how personnel evolves each Summer League.

 

* **Jarace Walker**, entering Year 3, received praise for his motor, flexibility, defensive instincts, and playmaking. Tyrese Haliburton called him a “special defensive player” He contributed 13 assists, five steals, and five blocks in his games

* **Bennedict Mathurin** brought intensity and aggression, shooting 35.1% from the field but thriving with free throws at a 14/15 clip

* **Andrew Nembhard** looked “too good” for Summer League, dropping 35 points and 15 assists in two outings and warning Vegas he might skip the rest because the level barely challenged him

## 🗣️ Inside The Community: Reddit Weigh‑In

 

**Jarace Walker’s emergence** especially caught fans’ eyes on r/pacers. One fan exclaimed:

 

> “Jarace is so talented. Just gotta get a jumper but that’s something you can teach. He has all the stuff you can’t”

 

Another was more emphatic:

 

> “Absolutely all in on Walker. He can absolutely be a Draymond/Adebayo type guy… Obviously the scoring is probably a few seasons out, but this dude can play.”

 

Praise cascaded:

 

> “Jarace will figure out where his bread and butter to score from is… The passing and the defense looked high high level.”

 

These upvotes reflected not just optimism—but belief that Walker’s passing and defense could translate into long-term value even without high scoring volume.

## 🔁 Continuity, Comparison & Expectations

 

What Furphy describes now echoes familiar themes from previous years: maturity over hype, collegiate polish, and intelligently transitioning to the NBA’s physical and strategic pace. Jones and Peter entering “veteran” roles is reminiscent of how Mathurin, Nembhard, Walker, and others found footing early in their pro careers:

 

* **Jones**, like past Marquette picks, brings scoring and playmaking to a fast-paced roster.

* **Peter**’s efficiency mirrors what made Mathurin and Nembhard attractive in their rookie seasons.

* **Furphy** signaling belief in his younger teammates echoes the leadership role Nembhard soon took on as he dominated Summer League play.

 

## 📈 How This Shapes Indiana’s Roster Trajectory

 

Pacers brass seems to be setting up a rotation based on skill, collective maturity, and defensive diversity. Furphy’s comments and the vets’ praise reflect a belief that Jones and Peter aren’t just developing but ready-made tools for Rick Carlisle’s system—if they adjust quickly.

 

* Watch how quickly **Jones** absorbs Preston Brown’s offensive flexibility in the pro setting.

* See if **Peter**’s efficiency transfers against NBA-level wings.

* Monitor **Furphy** if he maintains his upward momentum with enduring leadership.

## 🔮 Looking Ahead To Preseason

 

With Summer League finishes behind them, the Pacers shift focus to preseason in a couple months, where real rotation battles begin. It’ll be telling to see who commands minutes in camp:

 

1. **Veterans** like Haliburton, Mathurin, Walker will jockey for starting/depth roles.

2. **Rising second-rounders** Jones, Peter—and others like Enrique Freeman—will need to capitalize on every opportunity.

3. **Supporting cast** via two-way contracts (e.g., Oscar Tshiebwe) and G‑League performers will stake claims as depth options

At least for Furphy, the verdict is clear: Indiana’s rookies are “super skilled,” well-prepared, and ready to fit in right away. If Jones and Peter continue to show the maturity Furphy praises, that would mark another well-executed value find for the Pacers. Their foundational players—and fans—are already anticipating more next-level contributions.

 

**Summary of Key Themes:**

 

* **Rookie praise**: Furphy’s succinct statement speaks volumes about Jones and Peter’s advanced readiness.

* **Past meets present**: Institutional memory of past rookies frames how new players are being assessed.

* **Fan excitement**: Reddit responses to Walker echo a wider hope for the new generation—skills over stats, growth over hype.

* **Key test ahead**: Preseason will separate contenders from hopefuls in the rotation once and for all.

Let me know if you’d like further breakdowns—player profiles, draft comparisons, camp projections, or Summer League tape reviews!

*Note: All stats, quotes, and insights are derived from Summer League coverage and Pacers analysis.*