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Indiana Pacers Find College Scoring Spark in Kam Jones
The Indiana Pacers made an intriguing selection with the 38th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, acquiring Marquette standout guard Kam Jones. This particular pick, conveyed to Indiana through a trade with the San Antonio Spurs finalized on July 6, marks the first time the Pacers’ name appeared in that year’s draft since they were without their own first-round selection due to the high-profile trade which brought Pascal Siakam to Indiana last year.
A Consequence of the Siakam Trade—and a Fortunate Outcome
Because of the prior move that resulted in Pascal Siakam joining the roster, the Pacers entered the 2025 draft without their own first-round selection. That deal, which initially carried the weight of uncertainty, ultimately proved instrumental in Indiana’s postseason success, as Siakam’s contributions helped carry the team all the way to the NBA Finals. Without a first-round pick in 2025, Indiana was left scouring right around and beyond the 30-pick mark.
The pick that the Pacers used on Jones—number 38 overall—originated with San Antonio. Though far from the glamour of late-2024’s first-round selections, the extra draft capital gave Indiana flexibility, setting the stage for them to land a high-upside guard in Jones.
Kam Jones: A College Prodigy on the Rise
Kam Jones exploded onto the college basketball scene this past season, playing for Marquette University and emerging as one of the most electric scorers in the country. Known for his ability to put points on the board in rapid succession, Jones strikes a balance: an efficient scorer who can create his own shot even while primarily playing off the ball.
What stands out in his game is his scoring versatility—he is effective in mid-range, driving to the basket, and displaying solid work off screens and in pick-and-roll sets. Although he’s still working on consistency from deep—particularly from beyond the arc—Jones gave scouts plenty to like across the board, flashing a knack for buckets in a variety of scoring situations.
John Hollinger’s Take: Picking Value and Fit
Prominent draft analyst John Hollinger praised Indiana’s selection of Jones. He had rated him conservatively—giving him a first-round grade—and underscored Jones’s feel for the game and capacity in pick-and-roll settings as major assets. Hollinger noted:
> “I love this selection for Indiana; I had a first-round grade on Jones because of his feel for the game and operating in pick‑and‑roll, although he’ll have to show he can have gravity as an off‑ball spacer when he’s not running the point.”
Hollinger emphasized that, despite Jones’s promise, the biggest question mark remains his ability to make the floor stretch when he isn’t initiating offense. Nonetheless, he flagged Jones as a potentially impactful rotational piece, especially in light of Tyrese Haliburton’s absence due to injury. With Haliburton sidelined for the year, Indiana’s back-end guard rotation suddenly looks far leaner—and Jones, with his ability to both handle and score, offers a useful tool.
Pacers’ Backcourt: Gaps and Opportunities
Looking ahead to Indiana’s guard rotation for the upcoming season, several key pieces are already in place.
Andrew Nembhard is likely to assume the starting point guard role, expected to help maintain the team’s offensive flow.
On the wings, Aaron Nesmith and Bennedict Mathurin seem poised to start in the scoring guard spots.
Off the bench, T.J. McConnell offers veteran savvy and playmaking, while Ben Sheppard continues to develop—though his long-range shot remains inconsistent.
This is where Jones comes into focus. If Sheppard is unable to provide consistent 3-point relief, Indiana may turn to Jones for scoring off the bench. Not only can he pull the trigger, but he’s also capable of handling the ball in pick-and-roll situations—offering a level of two-way flexibility the Pacers could store in their back pocket this season.
Why It Makes Sense for Indiana
Jones’s draft profile aligns well with Indiana’s current situation. Let’s dig into why adding a player like him makes sense:
1. Roster Need—Scoring Punch Off the Bench
With Haliburton out and Sheppard still finding his shot, Indiana needs more scoring from guard depth. Jones has repeatedly shown he can fill that void, especially in spot-up and roll situations. His ability to hit mid-range shots and create plays adds another dimension to the bench unit, helping Indiana maintain offensive threat on both ends of the court.
2. Ball-Handling Versatility
Though primarily a scorer, Jones also brings sufficient ball-handling skills to function as a secondary ball-handler or even a point guard in parts. For a team missing one of its primary guards all season, having multiple options who can initiate or facilitate without being overwhelmed is a bonus.
3. Unused Ceiling as an Off-Ball Threat
If Jones can develop into a reliable floor-stretching 3-point shooter, his value multiplies. Indiana’s spacing—and their ability to keep defensive schemes honest—could be elevated by Jones’s presence. That said, he still needs to demonstrate that gravity as an off-ball threat while playing in a bench unit or even as part of a “small ball” sub, as Hollinger pointed out.
4. Smart, Experienced Player
Jones isn’t a freshman phenom; he’s more seasoned and mature in his approach. He’s not just an athlete; he has feel and nuance, which Hollinger cites as part of his appeal. A mature guard who understands spacing, movement, and timing in half-court sets can plug into a rotation early, even as he further develops other aspects of his game.
What’s Next for Jones and the Pacers
With a Summer League invitation likely in the offing, Kam Jones will have an early platform to showcase his talent. If he performs well, he could crack the rotation early, possibly in mid-season lineups once Haliburton returns or even during the stretch run to the playoffs.
Here’s how it could play out:
1. Summer League: Jones gets acclimated to the pro game, showcasing his scoring ability and ball-handling versatility.
2. Training Camp: He earns his role in camp—potentially as a 10th or 11th man—and realigns himself behind McConnell and Sheppard in the pecking order.
3. Regular Season & Beyond: In matchups where bench scoring becomes crucial, Jones could be trust‑caliber for Jermaine O’Neal–style bench groupings that prioritize quick scoring.
The Takeaway
Selecting Kam Jones with the 38th pick acknowledges both immediate need and untapped upside. Indiana is trading on a player who may not be the flashiest deep-dive pick, but whose polished scoring keeps him ready for action—and whose developmental trajectory fits a team aiming to ascend in the Eastern Conference.
Given the circumstances—no first-round pick due to the Siakam trade, Haliburton out for the year, and a need for offensive support off the bench—Jones stands as a low-risk, potentially high-reward investment. He may not be the PG1 of tomorrow, but if he can hit open threes, consistently score, and shoulder some playmaking duties in situational lineups, he can prove the wisdom in selecting him.
And for a franchise climbing in the Eastern hierarchy, every point of bench scoring and depth—especially in the backcourt—counts toward postseason resilience.
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