Indiana Pacers first-round picks Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard take in first practice

The two rookies began their NBA career on Tuesday

On Tuesday, the Indiana Pacers held their first practice of the 2023-24 season. That gave first-round picks Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard their first opportunity to hit the hardwood with their new team.

Both guys played for the Pacers Summer League squad back in July, and various members of Indiana's coaching staff led that group. Sheppard felt like that gave the rookies a head start. They entered practice familiar with some of the terminology and schemes the blue and gold will be executing this season, and that made things easier.

It was still day one, though, and both had to get over any unwanted feelings before hitting the hardwood. Sheppard likened his Monday night to Christmas Eve, and he said he was anxious on the drive over to practice.

Once he showed up, though, it was easy to lock in. He kept his focus on the details and the information being thrown his way.

"I was just smiling the whole time," Sheppard said. The 22-year old was drafted 26th overall in the most recent NBA draft.

Walker, meanwhile, felt equally prepared thanks to Summer League. He also had some comfort because of his time at the University of Houston. There, he learned an advanced scheme compared to other collegiate programs, so he felt ready for the NBA and what would be thrown at him.

"I had a great time out there. It was a lot of fun. I feel like we were really competing and getting after it," Walker said.

The two rookies were on the same unit for much of their first practice. Both were asked individually who they lined up with, and both players mentioned Daniel Theis and Andrew Nembhard. For the final player, Walker said that it was Jordan Nwora while Sheppard said it was Bruce Brown. Given that Brown described a different lineup when asked about his group, it's fair to assume that Nwora was the fifth player. The reserve groups featured a combo of veterans and inexperienced players.

Walker and Sheppard battling together is a smart way to open things up in training camp. If either player has a question, the other one can likely benefit from hearing the answer. Pairing them up early makes sense.

"It was cool," Sheppard said of being in a unit with Walker. They overlapped for four games of Summer League as well.

Both players will have a ton thrown at them in the coming days and weeks. New schemes and teammates is just the tip of the iceberg. They'll have new routines, newfound pressure, new coaches, and new roles. Each rookie will have to learn the Pacers terminology and the layout of their practice facility. There will be something fresh every day, and keeping the information straight can be difficult.

Head coach Rick Carlisle has liked the approach of both rookies, but they still have to take in everything on the fly. Carlisle's staff has gone through several training camps together, so they know how to keep things as simple as possible for new players.

"When you're an NBA rookie, going through all this is very valuable," the head coach said. He likes the enthusiasm of both players. "The free agent camp, summer league, the preseason stuff here... these guys have to go through it."

Before Walker even started practicing, he had questions. He chatted with Buddy Hield, who is always in the gym early, beforehand to get some of them answered. Myles Turner has been helpful for the eighth overall pick as well. They were working together after practice.

When the work started, though, educational moments came amid constant messages of defense. That was a focus for the Pacers in their first practice. "It was super exciting. Right when I walked through these doors, it was just a moment that I've been waiting for my whole life basically," Sheppard said of his first practice. "As a rookie, there's a learning curve. But I've embraced that and am ready for it. Just excited to play along with these guys."

One big difference from Summer League to now, Sheppard explained, was Carlisle's presence. He was involved in the July tune ups, but a different coaching staff largely led the team in the exhibitions.

Now, the legendary coach is around. He's developed many youngsters and enjoys individual moments with younger players. For Sehppard, Carlisle being present was new and brought different emotions.

"This is my first time having Carlisle out on the court. So just his intensity and all the stuff that he brings," Sheppard said, noting that it was a little bit intimidating at first. But he loved being pushed.

Walker has already been praised by his teammates for his sense of humor and upbeat nature. Sheppard, meanwhile, always wears a smile and recently added a mustache — a decision that he said came after seeing a picture of his dad rocking one on his wedding day. Both players are good personality fits on the blue and gold.

They're also both skilled, and the Pacers hope they'll be contributors. "I think there's still a learning curve... but I like the energy I saw," veteran center Myles Turner, who is going to be more of a leader this year, said of the rookies.

There is plenty of time for the Pacers 2023 first rounders to figure everything out. But a productive first day got them off on the right foot, and they will get their first chance to show everyone what they can do on Sunday when Indiana begins preseason play.

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• Buddy Hield discusses his contract situation and future with the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
• Myles Turner preaches accountability, ready for leadership role with Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
• Competitive training camp coming for Indiana Pacers players looking for minutes and opportunity. CLICK HERE.
• Bennedict Mathurin to enter training camp as starter for Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
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