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Indiana Pacers Make the Most Obvious Roster Move Ever
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- Indiana Pacers Make the Most Obvious Roster Move Ever
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
The Indiana Pacers did not fare well during NBA Summer League this year. While it wasn't a good showing for the youngsters, there was one player who stole the show.
As every fan knows, that player was none other than Jalen Slawson .
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Slawson, a 26-year-old forward out of Furman, latched on with the Pacers at the end of last season. He was one of the only bright spots in what was a dismal all-around year for Indiana.
Last season, Slawson ended up playing in 13 games for the Pacers and making six starts. He played well in those limited minutes, averaging 7.3 points per game to go along with 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks, while shooting 44.2 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from the three-point arc.
During Summer League action this year, Slawson was the best player on the court for Indiana. He averaged 20.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.8 blocks per game.
With Summer League now in the books, the Pacers made the most obvious decision ever about the future of Slawson. They officially signed him to a two-way contract.
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HoopsHype NBA insider Michael Scott was the one who reported the deal.
"The Indiana Pacers and Jalen Slawson have agreed to a two-way deal, league sources told @hoopshype," Scotto wrote . "Slawson averaged 7.3 points on 44.2% shooting from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 13 games for Indiana last season."
It appears, barring a surprising change, that Slawson will be a part of the team this season. After proving that he can play at the NBA level last season in 13 games, he will add important depth for an Indiana team that dealt with a plethora of injuries last year.
Whether or not Slawson will be able to carve out a consistent role for himself or not remains to be seen. He'll have to fight for playing time with Jarace Walker and Obi Toppin . But, in case of injury or foul trouble, he'll be a high-level third-string player at the minimum.
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Kevin Pritchard and the Pacers' front office still has to make a decision on their last two two-way spots. There are three players vying for those roles. Those players are rookie point guard Braden Smith , young guard Ethan Thompson , and wing Kobe Brown .
Regardless of what happens with the last two spots, it was a no-brainer decision to keep Slawson around. After his play last year and then in the Summer League, he has earned the right to stick around with Indiana.
