Sumner and Brissett continue to impress
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — Even as the optimistic Indy writer, it hasn’t been easy finding many positives for the Indiana Pacers this season. Expectations were fairly high for this team, and for a variety of reasons, it just hasn’t worked. But if there’s one reason for optimism moving forward: It’s the play of Oshae Brissett and Edmond Sumner.
Some players put up big numbers only because of volume shooting on a bad team. That hasn’t been the case for these guys. Edmond Sumner has shot a great percentage the entire season, with 48% being his low-point in any month. He’s been around 55% in the month of April despite the increase in minutes and usage rate. He’s averaging 11.1 points per game in the month of April, and solidifying his spot in the Pacers rotation, regardless of who is healthy.
For Oshae Brissett, he has shot 33-for-66 (50%) in his last eight games and continues to impress in many areas. As the minutes have increased, so has the production. Brissett has averaged 15.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2 blocks in his last six games, while playing 30.1 minutes per contest. He has quickly gone from a 10-day contract to a guy who figures to be in next season’s plans for the Pacers.
“My hard work is paying off,” said Brissett last week. “I’m excited to be here for a long run and to help us win some games.”
Pacers Head Coach Nate Bjorkgren has had high praise for both Brissett and Sumner. He loves Brissett’s ability to guard multiple positions, his knack for rebounds, and his confidence. For Sumner, Bjorkgren has said on multiple occasions that Sumner “flies around out there,” brings energy, never complains about his role, and continues to grow in every aspect of the game.
It’s always fun to take a peak at the Per-36 minute numbers.
Sumner’s per-36 minutes: 16.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.4 steals.
Brissett’s per-36 minutes: 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks.
Many will argue that Brissett and Sumner still aren’t the caliber of players for a winning team. But winning teams need depth, and this team in particular has lacked rebounding and athleticism. Even if these two players are part of the second unit next season, their development this year is still one of the few W’s we’ve been able to witness. They’ve earned a role moving forward, while not sacrificing much on the business side. And for the final stretch of this painful season, they’ve given Pacer fans something to watch.
