Dec 4, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (9) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Johnny Furphy (12) and center Myles Turner (33) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Pacers Rising Star Gained 20 Pounds of Muscle This Summer

Originally posted on Indianapolis Pacers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 5:30 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers are looking around for more guys who can contribute off the bench. Without Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers need at least one more guy to step up.

There will also be a new starting center, and it could be one of four guys on the roster. They likely will only play two centers, so that still leaves one rotation spot open.

Second-year wing Johnny Furphy is hoping to step into that void. He has done a lot of impressive offseason work in preparation for battling for that final rotation spot.

Pacers wing Johnny Furphy put on 20 pounds of muscle

Furphy has worked hard this offseason to be in the mix for a rotation spot. Per Jordan Morey of Pacers.com, Furphy actually put on 20 pounds of muscle in what is a stunning offseason body transformation.

“Just weeks after the Finals ended, Furphy impressed in Summer League play across three games. He said he gained 20 pounds of muscle, and it showed in those exhibitions with an improved inside game.”

read more in his full season review: https://t.co/QhW0xkciSo pic.twitter.com/LCGiWlX0V8
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) September 12, 2025

That more muscular frame will allow Furphy to have a more impactful game in the paint, especially on the offensive end. He showed that during Summer League, as well.

Furphy was drafted in the second round because of his ability to shoot the ball from the outside. If he does end up earning a rotation spot, it will be because his defense improved, though.

That's part of the reason why he decided to put on some muscle. He wants to be able to handle opposing forwards on the defensive end of the floor, which is what kept him from playing more as a rookie.

The Pacers are still a deep team, even without Haliburton on the court this season. That's why it's so hard for Furphy to break into the rotation.

Pacers forward Johnny Furphy will have to figure out how to beat out Jarace Walker for minutes

The most logical player whom he could overtake in the rotation is Jarace Walker, since they play the same position. The issue for Furphy is that Walker actually played well in the minutes he got.

Had Walker not hurt himself at the end of Game 6 against the Knicks, he would have gotten real rotation minutes in the NBA Finals. Furphy might have a better shot at uprooting Ben Sheppard, whose offensive game hasn't come around.

As a rookie, Furphy averaged 2.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 50 games played.

This article first appeared on Indianapolis Pacers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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