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Johnny Furphy Outplays Two Top-10 Picks in Spectacular NBA Summer League Debut

By Joe Summers

Mar 5, 2024; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Johnny Furphy (10) looks to pass as Kansas State Wildcats guard Tylor Perry (2) defends during the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2024; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Johnny Furphy (10) looks to pass as Kansas State Wildcats guard Tylor Perry (2) defends during the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports / Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
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Johnny Furphy's got his first taste of NBA action on Sunday and didn't disappoint, looking like the best player on the floor despite his Pacers falling 105-94 to the Timberwolves.

After a surprising draft-day tumble that saw Furphy slip to the second round, he wasted no time to showcasing his exciting athleticism. He's a perfect fit for Indiana stylistically and should carve out a nice role quickly in the team's high-octane attack.

Furphy had a team-high 18 points on 50% shooting with seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. He got out in transition well and showed adept cutting abilities, so Pacers fans should be excited to see him share a floor with Tyrese Haliburton.

Kansas Star Johnny Furphy Shines in NBA Summer League Debut

It's immediately clear how a player in Furphy's mold could help the Pacers. He's active without the ball, constantly moving and adeptly timing cuts to the basket in open space. Despite making only two of his eight three-point attempts, Furphy projects as a quality perimeter threat who can stretch defenses or blow by them off the dribble.

Having just turned 19 years old, Furphy has plenty of room to develop physically. He obviously needs to add strength, but his athleticism is already NBA-ready.

Impressively, Furphy outplayed a pair of top-10 picks in teammate Jerrace Walker, who was taken at No. 8 in 2023, and Rob Dillingham, selected at the same spot in this year's draft. Those two both went 5/14 from the field, and Furphy's comfort around strong competition was noticeable.

His defensive chops were perhaps the most encouraging part of Furphy's performance. After being routinely hunted at Kansas, he showed active hands and mostly fared well on that end. It's possible he'll need more seasoning in the G League before assuming an important role, though he certainly looked the part this weekend.

For a young Indiana squad coming off a surprise Eastern Conference Finals appearance, Furphy could prove to be the steal of the draft. Once considered a lottery pick, slipping to No. 35 could be the best possible outcome for both parties.

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