Pacers Summer League Primer

Mar 10, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Solomon Hill (44) dunks against the Orlando Magic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Orlando 118-86. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Pacers Summer League play begins today, in Orlando on Independence Day against the Miami Heat. It is an early morning game and is being aired live on NBA TV at 9 AM eastern. There are some interesting story lines that will unfold during the one week event which is worth looking for. The most obvious is that this the first look we get at the recently drafted and the undrafted rookies.There will be several members of this team vying for a spot on the regular season roster. There are position needs for the Pacers. Can any of these young players step up and fill one of those needs? As interesting as the story lines are the very interesting names on the Pacers roster this summer.

Names of Note:

Three-year veteran Solomon Hill  headlines this years roster. He chose to play this summer of his own accord to further improve his game. Shayne Whittington – who played in 20 games last season – is looking to carve a niche for himself in the Pacers front court. Rookies Myles Turner and Joe Young will also be participating, but Young may not play until the second game on Monday as reported by Mark Montieth of Pacers.com.

"Second-round draft pick Joe Young missed Friday’s practice at The Fieldhouse, but hopes to be able to play in the second Summer League game on Monday.Young participated in the first half hour of the first practice on Wednesday, but was forced out because of a stomach ailment apparently caused by bad food. He at least was able to attend Friday’s single workout after staying at his hotel for the previous sessions, and flew with the team to Orlando."

Also, on the roster are two names familiar to college hoops fans in Indiana. Undrafted free agent Jon Octeus from Purdue and former Indiana Hoosier standout Christian Watford will don the blue and gold in Orlando. Another player who has impressed in their practices is 29-year old Lithuanian guard Mantas Kalnietis. Over the duration of the one-week league we will highlight these names of note and bring recaps of the games. These games are closed to the public but can be seen aired on NBATV Summer League Live.

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