Title: Courtside Commitment: Siakam, Nembhard, Boucek, and Carlisle Rally Behind Pacers’ Summer League Squad in Vegas
LAS VEGAS — Under the dazzling lights of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, the Indiana Pacers’ sideline looked more like a regular-season bench than a developmental showcase. But this wasn’t just any Summer League. It was a statement — a show of unity, leadership, and long-term vision.
Newly re-signed All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, rising Canadian point guard Andrew Nembhard, assistant coach Jenny Boucek, and veteran head coach Rick Carlisle all took their places courtside, not to rest or spectate casually, but to actively support the franchise’s next generation.
Veterans Leading the Way
Pascal Siakam’s presence was especially notable. Fresh off signing a lucrative deal to stay in Indiana, the 2019 NBA champion didn’t retreat to vacation mode. Instead, he made a public statement with his actions: “This is a family,” he said in an interview with ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth during halftime. “If I expect these guys to fight for me in April and May, I have to be here in July.”
Beside him sat Andrew Nembhard, clipboard in hand, eyes fixed on the court, often talking through plays with the coaching staff. Nembhard, entering his third season, has already been praised for his high IQ and composure, and his off-season film study and leadership in Vegas suggest a deeper commitment to becoming Indiana’s long-term floor general.
Boucek and Carlisle: Coaching with Purpose
Assistant coach Jenny Boucek, one of the most respected voices in the NBA’s coaching circles, was active during shootarounds and practices throughout the week. Known for her player development expertise and strong rapport with young talent, Boucek has played a pivotal role in the rapid growth of Indiana’s guard corps.
Rick Carlisle, never one to shy away from mentoring, used the Summer League platform as a teaching lab. He was seen drawing up plays, reviewing in-game footage, and pulling aside players for one-on-one feedback. “This isn’t just summer ball,” Carlisle said. “This is where habits are formed and confidence is born.”
Team Culture on Full Display
Indiana’s 2025 Summer League roster is brimming with promise — including second-year standout Ben Sheppard, two-way dynamo Oscar Tshiebwe, and new draft pick K.J. Barlow. With every timeout, Siakam could be seen encouraging players, offering tips on defensive switches or off-ball movement. “Having him on the sideline felt like having another coach,” said Sheppard postgame.
The Pacers’ presence in Vegas hasn’t just been about wins and losses. It’s been about setting a tone. It’s rare to see an entire core — stars, role players, and coaches — show up in full force at Summer League. But for Indiana, this is the blueprint. A franchise on the rise, building its identity on trust, development, and unwavering support.
In the words of Carlisle, “This is what building something sustainable looks like.”
And in Las Vegas, under the summer spotlight, that vision couldn’t have been clearer.
