The Indiana Pacers announced this week that former Washington Huskies standout Keion Brooks Jr. has been added to their Summer League roster, a move that underscores the team’s intent to explore options at the small forward position as the club prepares for the upcoming season.
Brooks, who went undrafted after two seasons at the University of Washington, spent time in the NBA G League before signing a two‑way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. He made his NBA debut on February 5, 2025, against the Denver Nuggets and recorded his first points a few days later against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In 13 NBA appearances he averaged 10.1 points and 4.1 rebounds, shooting 48.6% from the field and 32.6% from three‑point range.
Summer League Prospects
The Pacers’ roster reshuffle follows the recent trade of forward Bennedict Mathurin to the Los Angeles Clippers, a deal that left a noticeable gap in the team’s wing depth. Veteran Aaron Nesmith, who posted 13.8 points and 4.2 rebounds last season while shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc, is expected to shoulder more minutes, but the club is also looking for complementary pieces.
Coach Rick Carlisle has spoken openly about the limited depth behind Nesmith, noting that the team will rely on younger players to prove their worth during the Las Vegas Summer League. Brooks is slated to debut in the Pacers’ first game on Friday, July 10, where a strong performance could earn him a guaranteed contract for the regular season.
With the 2026 NBA draft passing over the Pacers, the organization is betting on internal development and summer league experimentation to fill the void. If Brooks can translate his G League success into Summer League minutes, he may not only secure a spot on the roster but also become a factor in the team’s plans for the next campaign.