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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2. Joe Young coming along

Point guard Joe Young is going into his third season with the Pacers, and this could be a critical point in his career as he tries to find his niche in the league.

Young was a big-time scorer in college (Oregon), but he’s needed to become more of a playmaker in the NBA at 6’2″, 180 pounds. That is still a work in progress, but Young is trending in the right direction.

Joe Young looked good running the team in Orlando, posting 5.8 assists per game during his four appearances. He also scored 13.0 points per contest, showing he can still “get buckets” as well.

Joe Young really did ball. He's ready to be a back up now. https://t.co/CHf9NHO4CS
— d•ﾌ•尺•ﾌ (@DaedalMensa) July 8, 2017

Although Joe Young appears to have made progress as a point guard, he did turn the ball over too much in summer league (14 turnovers in four games).

Young will battle Lance Stephenson for backup duties at lead guard, but realistically he will have a difficult time cracking the rotation this season.

Indiana is retooling their backcourt, and Joe Young hopes to be a beneficiary of the team’s new direction. However, he’s going to have to prove himself, or his days with the Pacers could be numbered.

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