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Louisville basketball: Former Cards competing for roster spots in Summer League

By Presley Meyer

SOUTH BEND, IN - JANUARY 16: Ray Spalding #13 of the Louisville Cardinals shoots the ball in the second half of a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on January 16, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Louisville won 82-78 in double overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - JANUARY 16: Ray Spalding #13 of the Louisville Cardinals shoots the ball in the second half of a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on January 16, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Louisville won 82-78 in double overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – FEBRUARY 26: Jaylen Johnson #10 of the Louisville Cardinals shoots the ball against the Syracuse Orange at KFC YUM! Center on February 26, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – FEBRUARY 26: Jaylen Johnson #10 of the Louisville Cardinals shoots the ball against the Syracuse Orange at KFC YUM! Center on February 26, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Jaylen Johnson- Indiana

One of two former Cards on the Pacer’s summer league roster, Jaylen Johnson is a guy that could really stand to benefit from some extra exposure.

Johnson’s decision to declare for the NBA draft after his junior year led to a lot of criticism, but he was able to make the Chicago G League roster in 2017, and the Minnesota G League roster in 2018. Over his last two seasons with the two NBA affiliates, he averaged 10.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He was called up by the Bulls twice during his first season but waived both times.

In order to take the next step, Johnson is going to have to get a little more exposure and have a little luck fall his way. At the forward spots, the Pacers already have Doug McDermott, TJ Warren, and TJ Leaf. They will add rookies Brian Bowen and Jakeenan Grant, who are both likely to sign two-way contracts this year.

Johnson is going to have to take his game to another level this summer in order to stand out from the crowd if he hopes to ink any sort of a deal. Unfortunately for him, Johnson was picked up by one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference with one of the more promising young frontcourts.

All hope is not lost, however. Johnson has the size and intangibles to make it somewhere in the league. Sometimes it’s just about the right timing.

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