Lance Jones scores big baskets in Pacers NBA Summer League

Former Purdue guard Lance Jones didn’t get many opportunities during the NBA Summer League, but he made the most of his minutes. The guard scored some key baskets in Saturday’s game between the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jones, who went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, finished with seven points, two steals and an assist in the Pacers’ 100-93 loss to the Cavaliers on Saturday, with the former Boilermaker showing off his ability to drive to the basket on several occasions.

Jones’ first impressive drive came in the first quarter when he ran past a defender and gently tossed the ball to the railing for two points.

Later in the game, Jones again ran past a Cleveland defender and scored a basket while absorbing contact, turning it into an old-fashioned three-point play, showing his aggressiveness.

It was fun to finally see Jones on the court. The former Boilermaker only played in two games for the Pacers this year during the NBA 2K25 Summer League. Jones also played in Thursday’s game against the Denver Nuggets and scored three points.

Jones finished the Summer League game with 10 points, two assists and two steals in 18 minutes of play.

Before the NBA Draft, Jones was invited to a pre-draft workout with the Pacers and was optimistic that he would get a chance with the team afterward.

“I think it went really well. I personally competed at a high level along with the other guys,” Jones said of his workout in a video posted by the Pacers.

In his only season at Purdue, Jones averaged 11.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He also shot 41.3% from the field and 35.7% from 3-point range. Before arriving in West Lafayette, the guard spent four years at Southern Illinois.

Jones finished his five-year college career with 1,971 points, 479 rebounds, 361 assists and 226 assists.

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