The Indiana Pacers announced their Summer League roster on Tuesday afternoon, but one notable name was left off the roster: two-way wing/guard, Ethan Thompson.
A source confirmed to me that the talented Thompson is not playing for the Pacers Summer League team because he has committed to play for the Puerto Rico National Team. The Pacers Summer League roster will miss the scoring and defense that Thompson provides, but it opens up more opportunities for other players.
Indiana gave Jalen Slawson a qualifying offer on June 29, 2026, making him a restricted free agent. Slawson was converted to a two-way contract on February 28, 2026 this season and performed well throughout the remainder of the season. It makes sense that Indiana would want to bring him back since they originally only signed him for the remainder of the season.
So, if Jalen Slawson is brought back, that creates a bit of a logjam for the three two-way spots. Ethan Thompson and Taelon Peter are already signed to two-way deals, and reports have indicated that the Pacers will sign the No. 38 overall pick, Purdue’s Braden Smith, to a two-way contract.
Expectations were that the four players would likely be battling for the three spots during the NBA’s Summer League, but with Thompson missing the event it makes things a little more interesting.
Braden Smith is likely a shoe-in for one of the two-way spots, and it will come down to what the Pacers value more. It would make sense for Jalen Slawson to be on a two-way contract, considering the position he plays is power forward and small-ball center in the G-League. This means it likely comes down to Peter or Thompson for the final spot. An interesting battle is among us.
The Summer League Roster
The Indiana Pacers Summer League team will be coached by assistant Johnny Carpenter, who joined the team this season with the departure of Mike Weinar.
Here is a look at the Pacers Summer League Roster:
- Braden Smith – Purdue
- Taelon Peter – Indiana Pacers
- Kowacie Reeves, Jr. – Georgie Tech
- Gabe McGlothan – Noblesville Boom (G League)
- Jalen Slawson – Indiana Pacers
- Tamin Lipsey – Iowa State
- Rienk Mast – Nebraska
- Keba Keita – Brigham Young
- Jalen Warley – Gonzaga
- Yuki Kawamura – Chicago Bulls
- Taevion Kinsey – Santa Cruz Warriors (G League)
- Alex Reese – Rip City Remix (G League)
- Keion Brooks Jr. – Noblesville Boom (G League)
- Cameron Hildreth – Noblesville Boom (G League)
- MJ Iraldi – Noblesville Boom (G League)
Summer League Schedule
July 10th (Friday) at 4:30 PM EST vs. Cleveland
July 11th (Saturday) at 5:30 PM EST vs. Philadelphia
July 13th (Monday) at 4:30 PM EST vs. Toronto
July 15th (Wednesday) at 3:30 PM EST vs. Minnesota
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