Pacers Found Heart in Johnny Furphy

Although the on-court stats are what the sports fans remember, making a difference in the community genuinely means more than any bucket scored. The Indiana Pacers selected Johnny Furphy with the 35th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Before Furphy takes the court for the Pacers, the rookie assisted families in the local community.

Furphy is from Melbourne Australia, but took the first opportunity to feed families in Indiana by physically prepping meals courtesy of Elevance Health and Million Meal Movement .

The Pacers drafted Furphy out of Kansas University, where the Australian native averaged nine points and 4.9 rebounds. It's doubtful Furphy makes the rotation, as the Pacers have a stacked team of which went to the Eastern Conference Finals.

However, for Furphy to actively participate in such charitable efforts speaks to the kind of person the Pacers drafted.

Tyrese Haliburton is a great example of a selfless teammate, on and off the court, as he showcased how to act when not getting ample playing time during Team USA's gold medal run during Paris Olympics. Perhaps Furphy will grow more as a player taking note of the All-NBA point guard's attitude.

Although donating money is a great help, it's not the same as personally making the effort in aiding the community by showing your face and physically putting in the work.

Related: Will Tyrese Haliburton Lead Pacers to Repeat Success?

Regardless of whether Furphy plays a minute of basketball during the 2024-25 season, his selfless actions in the community will act as points scored in the community, allowing for the state to open their arms for the Pacers rookie.