​Rewritten: Braden Smith’s rise with the Pacers could begin to take shape this summer, as his Crafty Court Mastery is set to be on display in Las Vegas during the NBA Summer League. The Sporting News originally covered the story, and you can add them as a preferred source by clicking here. The Indiana Pacers used a strategic move in the 2026 NBA Draft, trading up in the second round to snag Purdue point guard Braden Smith. Now, the aim is for him to start turning heads this week in the Summer League showcase.
When the 2026-27 season arrives, Tyrese Haliburton will be the primary playmaker for Indiana, which means Smith will need to compete for minutes once Haliburton is fully back and healthy. Still, this summer, Smith will be the one with the ball in his hands and the opportunity to demonstrate his full range of skills for the Pacers. ESPN’s Ben Golliver suggested there’s potential for Smith to cultivate a dedicated following among Summer League enthusiasts. The 22-year-old Indiana native and Purdue four-year starter joined the Pacers as a second-round pick in 2026, and his summer performances could set the tone for his role with the team.
Of course, questions will swirl around Smith. At 5-foot-10 and 167 pounds, can he hold his own defensively at the NBA level? Beyond distributing the ball, can he provide scoring when defenses lock in on him? And where does he fit with Indiana alongside a true floor general like Haliburton? Yet for now, Smith’s window to show his capabilities is wide open.
Golliver notes that Smith’s NCAA reach remains remarkable. He amassed 1,103 assists at Purdue, surpassing Duke legend Bobby Hurley to become the NCAA’s all-time assists leader. With minutes expected to be limited once Haliburton returns from an Achilles recovery, savoring Smith’s traditional, floor-general style will be essential for Pacers fans in Las Vegas.
Watching Smith in Summer League is a worthwhile endeavor for anyone curious about how he translates his old-school playmaking to the NBA. His performance could illuminate how he might complement Indiana’s backcourt and possibly carve out a niche during a season in which Haliburton dominates the minutes at the point guard position. This summer presents a clear stage: Smith leading the offense, running the show, and trying to demonstrate he can both orchestrate and contribute offensively even when faced with NBA-level defenders.
As the league watches Smith navigate these early opportunities, other headlines worth considering include how teams have maneuvered trades and roster moves to optimize their rosters. For instance, discussions around LaMelo Ball and Charlotte’s decisions at the trade deadline, or the way teams coordinate ball-handling duties and backcourt depth, have implications in broader contexts. And while LeBron James’s career continues to define various conversations, the focus this season remains on how the Pacers utilize Smith in the Summer League and beyond. The broader arc—whether Smith becomes a reliable long-term contributor in Indiana—will hinge on how convincingly he translates his Purdue-era playmaking into NBA success, and how well he can influence the flow of Pacers’ offense during Summer League action.