Indiana Pacers: Rookies Myles Turner, Joe Young Shine In Summer League

During halftime of his team’s 85-76 Summer League loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday, Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel joined the NBA TV crew to talk about the new-look Pacers and the upcoming 2015-16 season.

During the brief interview, Vogel discussed the Pacers’ transition to a small-ball, uptempo lineup, and even hinted that Paul George might see extended minutes at power forward. Vogel also talked about the team’s lottery pick, Myles Turner, and the unique skill set he brings to the roster.

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“It’s early still, and obviously he’s off to a great start in the Summer League,” Vogel said. “He’s got such a unique combination of skills with the ability to shoot with range, but also you’ve seen him dominate the game on the defensive end with his shot-blocking. … We’re really high on him.”

Turner has dominated in his first two Summer League games, averaging 16.5 points, 8.5 boards and 4.5 blocks per game.

Through two games, Turner has showcased a well-rounded offensive game. He has put good use to his trademark turnaround jumper in the post, a high-percentage shot that is almost impossible to block. However, he has also shown that he doesn’t mind banging inside and cleaning up on the offensive glass, or stepping out to make an open three-pointer.

More importantly, Turner has shown that he can affect the game defensively with his length and shot-blocking abilities. With Roy Hibbert reportedly on his way to the Lakers, the Pacers will need another interior defensive presence. Turner has shown the ability to initiate fast breaks with his blocks, and then hustle down the court for easy transition baskets.

All of those abilities, many of which Hibbert lacked, makes him an ideal fit in the team’s new uptempo vision.

Joe Young Flashes Potential in Summer League Debut

Turner was not the only Pacer draft pick to play well in Monday’s game. Second-round pick Joe Young made his Summer League debut, starting at point guard after missing the team’s first Summer League game with a stomach illness. Young did not disappoint in his debut, making his first four shots en route to scoring nine points and adding four assists.

At one point, Young had nine of the team’s 13 points, and assisted on the other two baskets.

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After his hot start, Young cooled down considerably, missing his next 10 attempts. Part of his struggles could have resulted from the stomach bug that kept him out of the team’s first game — he arrived in Orlando on Sunday and had been on a diet of Gatorade and oatmeal while sick.

That, and the fact that Young is recovering from a sprained foot ligament sustained during pre-draft workouts, would explain why he may have cooled off as the game progressed.

Despite his struggles, Young showcased some traits in his debut that suggest he could provide a team with considerable offensive firepower off the bench. Last week, I wrote an article debating whether or not Young could contribute for the Pacers as a rookie. In that article I said that Young could make an immediate impact for the Pacers, and I still stand by my statement.

Right now, backup point guard is a position of need for the Pacers. The team resigned last year’s sixth man, Rodney Stuckey, but he is more of an undersized shooting guard. Ironically, Young is also an undersized shooting guard at heart, but has been working on transitioning to a point guard at the professional level.

Young’s ability to knock down three-pointers make him a good fit alongside Stuckey, who has been an inconsistent shooter during his long career.

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Without any other options on the roster, Young has a real chance to secure the backup point guard role — if he can show that he is more than just a streaky volume scorer. Defense was an area of concern for Young entering the draft, so he must work on that end of the floor, as well as becoming a better facilitator on offense.

Turner, Young Remained Focused on Summer League

Turner, Young and the rest of the Pacers Summer League team (0-2) will be back in action Wednesday at 3 p.m. versus the Detroit Pistons.

These Summer League games are important to Turner and Young because the two will likely be playing together in the second unit this season. These games allow the duo to become acclimated with one another and build chemistry.

Turner will look to continue his solid play, especially on the defensive end. If he can show Vogel and the rest of the coaching staff that he is ready to defend at the NBA level, he will likely earn more minutes as a rookie.

Meanwhile, Young will look to be more consistent in his second game, and prove to coaches that he can defend and facilitate in addition to score. With a strong summer league showing, he could play himself into the team’s backup point guard role.

Next: Joe Young: Immediate Impact for Pacers?

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