The Indiana Pacers’ first pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was Kansas forward Johnny Furphy, and the 19-year-old has already shown promise for the blue and gold.
During the Summer League, Furphy showed qualities that, if translated to the pros, will make him a useful NBA player. He was able to hit three-pointers, cut well, defended well and made few mistakes. Even with inaccurate shots, it was clear that the Australian rookie knew where he could help his team.
“He’s young. We have an opportunity to get him and develop him in our organization … he’s already a pretty good shooter. He’s got good size, good instincts,” the Pacers head coach said during Summer League. Jannero Pargo said of Furphy.
The 35th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft had a terrific second outing in Summer League. he focused on rim pressure and he was patient with his shots, he was great. “I felt more confident, for sure. I was just feeling the rhythm of the game a little bit more,” he said.
Furphy’s next game will be real NBA action. He probably won’t be in the blue and gold’s rotation this year, but he’s motivated to be a great proand a player who can highlight the blue and gold. On the wing, there are many ways to be a valuable contributor.
The 19-year-old has shown many of those qualities during his time with the Jayhawks in the NCAA ranks. His strengths seem to fit Indiana’s style of play, and as a taller player who can shoot the ball effectively from deep, it’s easy to see his potential path to success in the NBA.
“I think the Pacers have a very exciting style of play. Their team dynamic is something I can really see myself fitting into,” Furphy said of the Pacers.
In general, according to Sports SynergyLast year, Furphy ranked in the 94th percentile in offensive efficiency. He scored 1.113 points per possession, a decent number and proof that his game could be built on a smart offensive style.
Specifically, Furphy has shone in many key areas in Bill Self’s programHe averaged 1.29 points per possession in transition, which ranks in the 84th percentile among NCAA players. For the Pacers, that will be vital: They’re one of the fastest teams in the league.
Indiana also encourages three-point shooting, and Furphy has already shown in Summer League that he can keep up in terms of volume. In terms of accuracy, he shot 35.2 percent at Kansas — and he was deadly on three-pointers. When he had time and space to execute a three-point shot, he scored 1.33 points per possession, which is good for the 98th percentile. He was terrific when shooting off the dribble or with little movement.
From the corners, Furphy was money. CBBAnalysisHe’s made over 40 percent of his attempts from both corners. It’s a big shot, and he’s mastered it. He’s generally been effective on jump shots and non-jump shots.
Furphy’s game has required passing the ball a lot, especially since he’s been brought into the starting lineup over the course of the season. He’s shown some ability as an initiator, especially when he’s coming out of the corners, and he uses his size to finish well at the basket. The young wing shot 74.2 percent from the field, a skill he needs to carry over.
Some of Johnny Furphy’s plays as a pick-and-roll manager at Kansas: pic.twitter.com/p9XoPZSMQQ
— Tony East (@TonyREast) August 28, 2024
On offense, Furphy has shown enough variety that the Pacers are confident he can do a little bit of everything in the NBA. That may take time — he only began his NBA journey late last summer. But it didn’t take long for him with the Jayhawks to show what he’s capable of.
On both defense and offense, Furphy has been impressive in pick-and-roll situations. He and the Jayhawks have allowed 0.633 points per possession when he’s defended the ball-handlers in those situations. These plays happen a lot in the NBA, so Furphy will have opportunities to slow them down.
The Australian winger grabbed nearly five rebounds per game and his advanced stats were all solid. His true shooting percentage was over 60%, his turnover rate was low, and his steal and block rates were both adequate. There’s a reason he was projected to be a first-round pick.
Furphy will spend much of his first season watching and learning. He’ll likely play a lot in the G League — lottery pick Jarace Walker did that last season. That’s a nice path for a developing wing.
But when the Melbourne native does contribute to the Pacers — whether as a rookie or in the future — his varied offensive game and length-based defensive skills will help him make an impact. With a four-year contract, Indiana has plenty of time to develop its new rookie.