LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 13: Jalen Slawson #18 of the Indiana Pacers attacks the basket against Nate Bittle #12 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS – While the outlook for Indiana’s two-way roster was uncertain heading into the summer, Jalen Slawson arrived in Las Vegas with a clear mission: to prove his value to the organization.
The 26-year-old forward entered the offseason as a restricted free agent after receiving a qualifying offer from the Pacers. This placed him in a highly competitive environment for one of the team’s precious two-way slots, facing off against other prospects like Braden Smith, Kobe Brown, Taelon Peter, and Ethan Thompson.
“I don’t think we look at it as a competition. [Thompson], [Peter], [Smith]—we’re all really close. We understand that it’s a business, and we know that the front office here has to make decisions just like everywhere else,” Slawson remarked before the Pacers’ summer league mini-camp. “Obviously, everybody’s hungry and everybody wants this spot. But I don’t think if you look at it as a competition like that, that it can always be healthy.”
Summer league provided the perfect stage for Slawson to showcase his growth. After signing a one-year two-way deal with Indiana in February, he showed significant development during the final stretch of last season, averaging 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, over one steal, and one block per game across 13 appearances.
The Furman University product leveraged his G League experience to enter the offseason with increased confidence. His ability to make quicker reads—a vital component of the Pacers’ offensive system—has improved significantly. He has become more aggressive in driving to the lane and more efficient as a catch-and-shoot threat.
“I’m understanding spacing better,” Slawson explained. “My conditioning is better, and my overall understanding of the game.” He even spent time training alongside Tyrese Haliburton to better grasp the elite point guard’s approach to the game.
His offseason work on his physical frame and handles has translated directly to the court. While his initial Summer League games saw some shooting struggles, his peripheral stats remained elite. In a victory against the Cavaliers, Slawson recorded six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and five blocks, setting personal bests in several defensive categories.
He followed that performance with a breakout 26-point outing against the 76ers, showcasing his ability to score at volume. Despite an overtime loss, Slawson’s impact was undeniable.
“He’s a great driver. Once he gets downhill, he’s really explosive off his left foot. So we try to put him in situations where he can do that,” said Pacers Summer League head coach Bryce Taylor. “He’s continued to improve his ball handling. He’s a good passer. He has an electric type of energy that he plays with.”
Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Slawson (18) brings the ball up court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Indianapolis, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Slawson’s development in the paint and his rim-rim protection were standout features of his summer. After averaging 2.5 points per game in the 76ers’ summer league program last year, Slawson transformed into the Pacers’ leading performer this season. He averaged 20.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and an incredible 3.2 blocks per game during the summer program—ranking fourth overall in blocks and leading all perimeter players in total blocks.
The statistical jump is a testament to his work ethic. Former Pacers assistant coach Johnny Carpenter noted that Slawson has “embraced the process,” focusing heavily on decision-making and defensive range.
Recognizing his immense value, the Pacers have decided to secure Slawson with a two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. To make room for Slawson on the two-way roster following the signing of Kobe Brown, the Pacers waived Taelon Peter.
With Slawson, Brown, and Ethan Thompson now occupying the three available two-way spots, the Pacers’ front office shifts its focus to Braden Smith and the remaining open slot on the 15-man roster.
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