1 Worst-case, 1 realistic, 1 dream player comparison for Pacers’ Jarace Walker

1 Worst-case, 1 realistic, 1 dream player comparison for Pacers’ Jarace Walker: Dream comparison – Shawn Marion

While he was never the best player on his team, Shawn Marion was the definition of an elite-level role player in the NBA. He was a great second or third option on great playoff teams for many years.

Perhaps best known for his time with the Phoenix Suns, Marion was one of the leading scorers on the Steve Nash MVP squads that made back-to-back runs to the Western Conference finals.

Jarace Walker’s mix of interior presence along with his top-notch athleticism make Marion a solid comparison, and if that’s what the rookie ends up being, the Pacers would be ecstatic.

Over the course of his 16-year NBA career, Marion made four All-Star teams, two All-NBA teams, and won a championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.

Despite not making any All-Defensive teams, Marion was a great player on that end of the floor, too, holding career averages of 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.

Marion was never known for his three-point shooting, but at his best, he shot 38.7% from distance on 4.5 attempts per game in the 2002-03 season. If Walker could reach that level, Indiana would be thrilled.

The former Sun and Maverick is an ideal comparison for a guy who will be sharing the frontcourt with Myles Turner.