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Pacers Notes: Enrique Freeman, Taelon Peter, Johnny Furphy, RayJ Dennis

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 7:22 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers have already floated a two-way qualifying offer to forward Enrique Freeman, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a definite for the roster next NBA season, as relayed by Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star.

Freeman is a product of Akron and had a fine season last year in the G League as a rookie in Indiana. But he may be more of a natural center, Dopirak wrote. Given that he’s 6-foot-7, that could pose issues moving forward.

Dopirak suggested that second-round pick Taelon Peter (No. 54 overall) may be a better fit for the Pacers’ third and final two-way slot. As of now, Peter remains one of several unsigned second-round draft picks.

Either way, there’s no denying Freeman shined in the Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 16.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.8 blocks while shooting a sizzling 72.5% percent from the field.

Peter averaged 9.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in Vegas.

Furphy Packs on Pounds

Per Dopirak, head of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard said Johnny Furphy has bulked up about 20 pounds since his rookie campaign, and it showed in Vegas — capped by a massive poster dunk on Noa Essengue and shooting 76.9% on 2s, albeit just 25% from three.

He averaged 11.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals at Summer League, though 2.7 turnovers per game remain a concern.

Furphy played in 50 games last year as a developmental rotation piece and is expected to begin outside the rotation, but his added strength could earn him more minutes if injuries hit the wing.

Dennis Takes Point Guard Lead on Two‑Way Trail

RayJ Dennis, another two‑way player entering his second season, appears likely to emerge as Indiana’s third point guard. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the year, the backcourt could roll with Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, and Dennis.

Dopirak noted Dennis’ Summer League performance, as he was tied for highest assists (7.3 APG), as well 15.8 points, demonstrating a grasp of the Pacers’ pace-and-play system.