Indiana Pacers first-round picks Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard assigned to G League for playing time

Walker and Sheppard got their first G League action Wednesday

INDIANAPOLIS — On Wednesday, both of the Indiana Pacers 2023 first-round draft picks, Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard, were assigned to the G League. It was the first G League assignment for both players this season, and they suited up for the Indiana Mad Ants against the Motor City Cruise for a matinee.

Through 13 games with the Pacers, Walker has appeared in four games while Sheppard has hit the hardwood five times, including last night in Atlanta. Indiana has a deep team, so there aren't many opportunities available for the rookies.

"It's definitely tough. As a hooper, I'm competitive. I obviously want to hoop," Walker said earlier this week of his situation in the NBA, but he acknowledged that he understood the need to be patient and develop on a deep team.

With fewer opportunities available for their first rounders, the Pacers have been looking for a chance to get them playing time in the G League. Head coach Rick Carlisle said the team would look at the Pacers calendar as well as the Mad Ants schedule to find a date that makes sense.

Wednesday was a perfect opportunity, especially because of something unique to the Mad Ants. The team is relocating from Fort Wayne to Noblesville, but their new arena is still under construction. As a result, they are playing their home games in Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the ongoing season.

That's where the Pacers play, and the Mad Ants practice in the Pacers' facilities as well. It's an advantage for the roster, but it also means they have a few days where the Mad Ants and Pacers play in Gainbridge Fieldhouse on the same day.

Wednesday was one of those days, and the Toronto Raptors are in town. So Walker and Sheppard could play in the G League without having to travel at all. It was extremely convenient for the NBA club.

"It's a very distinct possibility," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of Sheppard and Walker possibly playing in the G League last weekend. "We do want to get them some game experience."

Carlisle was in attendance for the Mad Ants game Wednesday, as was President of Basketball Operation Kevin Pritchard. Pacers players Buddy Hield and Obi Toppin also attended the game, as did assistant coach Lloyd Pierce. Carlisle stopped Sheppard on his way to the halftime locker room to chat with him about something.

Sheppard only played the first half — he sat on the bench in sweat pants for the second half. His day ended with 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists on 5/11 shooting. He came alive in the second quarter after a slow start.

Walker kept playing, and the third quarter was his best. He was more aggressive with the ball and found space to get his shots off. When he saw an opportunity to take a jumper off the dribble, he took it. Often, he nailed it.

Walker played throughout the fourth quarter as well. He finished with 30 points, 24 of which came in the second half. The eighth overall pick added seven rebounds in what ended up being a 117-107 victory.

Walker and Sheppard shared postgame that they found out about their G League assignments on Tuesday before the Pacers took on the Hawks. Obviously things could have changed if either of them played significant minutes Tuesday night, but they were aware it was coming.

Walker enjoyed getting the chance to hit the hardwood. "I was happy. Hoopin' is hoopin' to me at the end of the day," he said Wednesday after his 30-point game in the G League. "I just love basketball."

Sheppard agreed. "It was cool to get extended minutes," he said. He stopped playing at halftime, so there's a chance he has enough wind to play for the Pacers tonight. If he does, it would be his third game in 24 hours, and he has a chance to grab three wins.

Tom Hankins, the head coach of the Mad Ants, wasn't sure until last night if he would have Walker and Sheppard with him today. That's the life of a G League coach. Rosters change often, and coaching staffs have to be prepared.

Hankins started both players on Wednesday. "They both just need minutes," the head coach, who also acts as an assistant for the Pacers, said. He praised Walker's communication skills that he showed during the game and in the locker room.

Both rookies took advantage of the opportunity they were given and had solid outings. That's what the Pacers hoped to see, and now they can both return to the NBA club.

"It was more of a conditioning stand point and just having game reps," Walker said of the messaging about playing in the G League. "You can practice, work out all you want to. It's nothing like an actual game."

The Pacers host the Raptors about five hours after the conclusion of the Mad Ants game in the same arena.

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