He’s a versatile 6-foot-9 player from the state of Michigan who feeds off the fortitude and dedication of his mother. So why shouldn’t he be named Jaylen? Or Jalen, or any of the other variations of the name Jalen Rose has made famous?
Jaylen Johnson’s dream of NBA employment resumes on Saturday when the Pacers’ entry opens Summer League play in Las Vegas. He’s earmarked for the starting lineup along with fellow free agent DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell and three players with Pacers experience - Aaron Holiday, Edmond Sumner and Alize Johnson.
For a player working his way up from a humble platform, starting is at least a start.