The Indiana Pacers have added 26-year-old forward Jalen Slawson to a two-way contract for the upcoming season. The move follows a dominant showing in this year’s NBA Summer League, where Slawson posted 20.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and nearly three blocks per game. By securing him on a two-way deal, the Pacers preserve a standard roster slot while gaining a defensive presence who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
In Summer League, Slawson’s scoring more than doubled his regular-season output, indicating that he can translate raw talent into production when given a larger role. His rebounding and shot-blocking numbers also highlighted his ability to protect the rim and contribute on the glass, traits that are valuable for a team that struggled with injuries last season.
Last season, Slawson appeared in 13 games for Indiana, starting six of them. He averaged 7.3 points on 44.2 percent shooting from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range. He also contributed 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Those efficiency numbers, particularly the three-point percentage for a wing of his size, sit above the league average for players receiving comparable minutes, underscoring his upside as a stretch-forward who can space the floor.
From a schematic standpoint, Slawson fits the Pacers’ emphasis on versatile, switch-heavy defenders. Given his size, he can guard multiple positions and slide into line-ups alongside athletic forward Jarace Walker or stretch-four Obi Toppin. His willingness to take open perimeter shots eases spacing concerns, while his shot-blocking numbers suggest he can protect the rim in limited minutes. The two-way slot allows the front office to keep a defensive specialist without sacrificing a standard roster spot for a pure scorer.
The Pacers still have two two-way slots to fill, with rookie point guard Braden Smith, young guard Ethan Thompson and wing Kobe Brown all in contention. By locking in Slawson, Indiana signals that defensive versatility and proven NBA-level production take precedence over pure scoring in its roster construction. Slawson will report to training camp and must earn minutes against the likes of Walker and Toppin. A strong preseason performance could earn him a call-up to the active roster, especially if injuries recur early in the schedule.
