Tristen Newton’s college resume features many different types of seasons. During his senior year at East Carolina, he was a point guard who was asked to create a ton of shots for himself and others. During his freshman season at Connecticut, he was more of a go-to guy for his teammates on a spread-eagle Huskies team. His final campaign at UConn featured more scoring and balance, which was needed. The Indiana Pacers point guard filled many roles and won two NCAA titles.

Now, he’s in the NBA, and his role with the Pacers could be vast. The rookie guard, selected 49th overall in June’s NBA draft, is on a two-way contract, meaning he’ll likely spend most of his time in the G League this season. But if he’s needed in his first year, or if he becomes a full-time NBA player in the future, Newton has a number of ways to help the blue and gold. His background provides him with plenty of paths to success.

Newton’s size gives him an advantage when doing a number of different things. In college, he made floaters over defenders, he used his strength to get into spots, and his shot was often clean because he could elevate above his opponent. Most of the types of plays Newton ran often produced above-average efficiency for UConn.

For example, 28.8% of his scoring possessions came from pick-and-rolls in which he was the ball-handler in 2023-24, according to Sports Synergy. The new Pacer scored 0.901 points per possession in those instances, which puts him in the 76th percentile among all NCAA players. Including instances where he passed the ball, that number jumps to the 85th percentile.

The Pacers like to play fast and often include ball screens. If Newton gets a chance to lead the conference or the G League, his size and vision will be an advantage. He likes to dribble to the right and shoots much better that way.

On the open court, Indiana’s favorite spot, Newton was effective for the Huskies. The Pacers ranked third in transition frequency last season and had the most efficient transition offense in the playoffs. Newton averaged 1.106 points per possession in transition, which is in the 60th percentile. The junior guard completed a pre-draft workout with the blue and gold, and those featured many transition exercises.

While Newton was off the ball more often two seasons ago than he was last season, he still had some moments of success floating around the perimeter. He made his catch-and-shoot shots, averaging more than 1.3 points per possession when he wasn’t defended in those moments.

As with his drives, Newton is a better shooter from the right side of the court. He was particularly effective from the right corner last season, shooting over 60 percent from that area for the national champions, according to CBBAnalysis.

On defense, Newton’s size is impressive. When defending against smaller players, his size and speed give him a huge advantage. It was difficult to get past him.

If the 23-year-old can get into effective defensive positions, he’ll have a chance to make a play or get a save. Like almost all young players, his team’s defense needs to be better, but the Florida native is pesky and disruptive against ball-handlers in the less glamorous areas of the court.

When defending pick-and-rolls, perhaps the most common play in basketball, Newton has been effective. When the Indiana recruit defended the ball-handler in those plays, UConn opponents scored less than 0.67 points per possession last season, which ranked in the 72nd percentile. Newton’s size helped him force missed shots and turnovers.

His isolation defense was elite. The 49th overall pick in the last NBA draft ranked in the 96th percentile as an isolation defender, further evidence that his on-ball defense could be a strength in the pros. It would go a long way toward making him an effective player.

Indiana Pacers guard Tristen Newton

Indiana Pacers guard Tristen Newton speaks to the media on July 6, 2024. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Pacers on SI) /

Overall, what stands out on film with Newton is his ability to do a little bit of everything. Because he has the size, the shot, and the shot-making ability, he can react to a defense and make the right play. He can also defend the ball well and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes in those situations. There isn’t a lineup he doesn’t fit into because he has the size for the position and his game is very well-rounded.

To become a regular in the NBA rotation, Newton will need to become an elite player in one area. For now, though, he has a diverse skill set, which is valuable for a rookie. There are plenty of ways to improve and become a solid pro.

Her performance during the summer league He was disappointing, though. He struggled to shoot for the Pacers despite solid three-point volume, and his defense was shaky. But there was progress along the way, and there’s still plenty of hope that the UConn product can become something good in the NBA.

“Tristen Newton, great [growth] “Game 1 to Game 5,” Pacers Summer League Head Coach Jannero Pargo said“Understanding our offense better, playing with more confidence. Being able to call plays and manage our sequences and be more comfortable on the field.” Continuing that growth will be important for Newton in Year 1.

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