​Former Washington Huskies standout Keion Brooks Jr. turned heads in his NBA Summer League debut for the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, helping the team secure a 99-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Coming off the bench, Brooks delivered a much-needed jolt for Indiana, showcasing why he fits the role the organization is seeking as they evaluate wing depth for the roster. The Kentucky transfer spent his last two seasons at Montlake under head coach Mike Hopkins, and in his first summer showcase appearance for the Pacers, he logged 14 minutes and produced 11 points on a 3-for-7 shooting night. He also contributed five rebounds, one assist, and a blocked shot, delivering a well-rounded line that helped push Indiana to the win.
Brooks finished with a plus-minus of +18, a reflection of the positive impact he had on the floor when he was in the game. That kind of efficiency and versatility is exactly what Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle is looking for as he attempts to bolster the second unit with capable wings who can contribute on both ends of the court. With no selections for the 2026 NBA draft, Indiana is prioritizing veteran depth to complement a roster that already includes young pieces and established players. Brooks fits that profile well, given his experience and professional exposure, including 13 NBA appearances.
Across his NBA tenure, Brooks has shown him to be a reliable scoring option in reserve. In his limited stints, he has started six games and logged averages of 10.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from three-point range. Those numbers indicate a player who can contribute offensively while still offering some versatility on defense and rebounding. His production in the G League further underscores his potential: over 60 appearances, he’s averaged 16.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. That level of production demonstrates his ability to perform at a higher pace and level of competition, suggesting his arc could continue to rise if he secures consistent minutes within the Pacers’ rotation.
Entering Saturday’s action, Brooks and the Pacers are scheduled to return to the floor at 2:30 p.m. PT to take on the Philadelphia 76ers. The matchup will offer another gauge of how Brooks can fit within Indiana’s system, particularly as a wing option who can provide scoring punch off the bench and contribute as a rebounding and playmaking asset when required. If Brooks can sustain or build upon his Summer League performance, he could establish himself as a valuable depth piece for a Pacers squad aiming to carve out a more robust and flexible rotation heading into the regular season.
This recap highlights Brooks’ immediate impact in his summer league debut and places his early performance within the broader context of his professional career, including his NBA experience and G League success. The trajectory of his development will be watched closely by Pacers fans and scouts alike as he works to translate Summer League production into sustained NBA contributions with Indiana.