Pacers' Sophomore Slid Under the Radar in Loss to Grizzlies

The Indiana Pacers dropped a preseason game on Monday to the Memphis Grizzlies, losing 120-116. All eyes were on Memphis's rookie Zach Edey, who looks like one of the better players from the 2024 NBA Draft class after sliding to the ninth overall pick.

Edey led the way for the Grizzlies with 23 efficient points and nine rebounds, often leaving the Pacers scrambling to come up with a defensive scheme to stop him. However, lost in the fold was Pacers' second-year guard Ben Sheppard, who had a solid game of his own.

Sheppard finished two-of-five from three with 12 points, two rebounds, and five assists. In the Pacers' fast-paced offense, his 31.4 percent mark from three kept him on the bench, but if he can become a solid shooter and secondary playmaker, he will fit in well into any of Rick Carlisle's offensive plans this season.

Sheppard understands that the Pacers have several high-end offensive players on the team, and his best chance to see a minutes increase is by improving his defense, which has been a weak point of Indiana's game, especially on the perimeter.

Sheppard hinted at a newfound game plan the Pacers are looking to experiment with.

"We put [zone defense] in three days ago," he said. "We're super long, so if we stick to our standards and stuff like that, I think it could be really effective."

Related: Indiana Pacers Thankful for Quiet Offseason

The Pacers are still looking for a defensive identity as they prepare for another successful season, and fringe rotation players can see a massive increase in usage if they bring a positive impact to that side of the ball.