Indiana Pacers: 5 takeaways from 2017 NBA Summer League

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 06: Joe Young #3 of the Indiana Pacers brings the ball up court against the Chicago Bulls during a preseason game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 6, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Bulls 115-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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4. Rakeem Christmas injured too

Another player who had something to prove in Orlando was Pacers power forward/center Rakeem Christmas. However, he also fell prey to the injury bug, both before and during the games in Florida.

Christmas sustained a sprained ankle during the practices leading up to Indiana’s Summer League stint, and when he attempted to return, he suffered yet another injury and missed the final three Summer League games.

The odds were already stacked against Christmas retaining his spot on the roster, but a good showing in Orlando would have given his chances a nice boost.

Instead, Christmas continued his pattern of coming down with nagging injuries, and this caused the Pacers to lose patience with the 6’9″ big man.

Indiana waived Rakeem Christmas on July 6, ending his bid to become part of the new-look Indiana Pacers going forward.

Christmas showed glimpses of potential during his two seasons in Indiana, but ultimately, he couldn’t stay healthy. The Pacers have plenty of other options at the 4 and 5 positions, so Christmas is now looking elsewhere for an NBA job.

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