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Heading into the offseason, the Indiana Pacers prioritized addressing their wing depth, viewing it as their most significant weakness. General Manager Chad Buchanan repeatedly stated that adding wing players was crucial. While the team failed to secure a top-four draft pick to select prospects like Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, or Caleb Wilson, they managed to sign Kelly Oubre Jr., who spent the last three seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Oubre adds versatility as a wing capable of playing either shooting guard or small forward. However, the other starting wing spot remains open, with 22-year-old Jarace Walker considered the frontrunner entering training camp. Ben Sheppard, whom head coach Rick Carlisle has called 'a soldier in our system,' is expected to challenge Walker for the role.
Key Analysis
Jarace Walker took a significant step forward in the final 38 games of last season, improving his scoring average from 8.8 to 14.4 points per game. His field goal percentage jumped from 35.9% to 46.2%, and his three-point shooting rose from 33.3% to 40.7%. If Walker can maintain that level of play, the competition may be short-lived. Rick Carlisle emphasized during summer league that Walker needs to 'star in his role as a great system player,' while Buchanan noted the front office asks Walker to emulate OG Anunoby's style: catch-and-shoot, drive on closeouts, and defend the opponent's best wing with physicality and attitude.
Ben Sheppard, often undervalued by fans, has been productive as a backup shooting guard in the postseason. He averaged 14.3 minutes in the first round against Milwaukee, 12.2 against Cleveland, 15.5 against the Knicks, and 13.6 in the NBA Finals. During the playoffs, he shot 39% from three (15-of-38) and 69% from two-point range (9-of-13). His three-point shooting improved to 42.3% from December onward, and he has shown more willingness to put the ball on the floor. Buchanan expressed a desire for Sheppard to become a stronger rebounder, play with more physicality, and sacrifice his body for charges.
Both players have expiring contracts, adding urgency to their performances. The battle for playing time will be a key storyline in training camp and preseason, with the coaching staff facing a tough decision. Ultimately, the player who earns the spot will have proven their value through consistent play and adaptability within the system.