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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1. T.J. Leaf inconsistent, but has potential

The player on Indiana’s Summer League team who seems to have the best chance at meaningful playing time in 2017-18 is rookie T.J. Leaf.

Leaf was the Pacers’ first-round draft pick in June, going 18th overall. He is a skilled offensive player, but he needs to show that he can handle the strength and athleticism that will be thrown at him on a nightly basis in the NBA.

As one might expect from a rookie, Leaf’s summer league performance was inconsistent. However, he did display the potential that made him a first round pick in the NBA Draft.

Leaf’s best game was a 19-point, 10-rebound performance against the Miami Heat on July 3. In three Summer League contests, Leaf posted per-game averages of 12.7 points and 6.3 rebounds.

T.J. Leaf looks competent and much like he did in college.

That's my Summer League analysis.
— 8 Points, 9 Seconds (@8pts9secs) July 4, 2017

Leaf is a 20-year-old with only one year of college basketball experience under his belt, so he has a great deal of development ahead of him.

Despite his youth, however, T.J. Leaf has enough talent and ability to get on the floor for Indiana during his upcoming rookie season.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

There will be growing pains, but Leaf should be a nice piece for the Pacers as they begin their plan to grow with young players while also remaining competitive.

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