Now in his second season in the league, Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker has had a strange campaign. Despite showing improvements from his rookie season, Walker has not had much playing time this year. Furthermore, Walker appeared in 15 games for the Pacers from the All-Star break through March 26 and only logged double-digit minutes in four of them.
Recently, however, the tides have turned for the Houston alum. He has logged at least 20 minutes in each of the Pacers' last four games, and he is making the most out of his opportunity. During that stretch, Walker is averaging 13 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Additionally, he is shooting 50% from the field and 60% from the three-point line while playing good defense.
Pacers fans should be happy to see Walker playing well as he is only in his second season and still has a lot of room to grow. However, while his emergence is great on its own, it also could not have happened at a better time for the Pacers as they inch closer to the start of the playoffs.
The Pacers are getting a huge boost ahead of the playoffs
As is the case for every playoff team in the NBA, the Pacers will most likely trim their rotation in the postseason. This is to make sure their top players get as much playing time as possible to put them in the best position to win. Just a couple of weeks ago, it seemed like a guarantee that Walker would not be a part of the Pacers' playoff rotation. However, things might be changing as he is playing too well to completely sit in the playoffs, especially given how late the Pacers are in the season.
Walker's emergence also may have solved a separate dilemma for the Pacers regarding Ben Sheppard. Sheppard, who averaged 19.7 minutes per game during last year's playoff run, may have played himself out of this year's rotation. Since the beginning of March, Sheppard is averaging 3.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. Additionally, he is shooting just 35.7% from the field and 27.5% from the three-point line in that stretch.
With Walker getting hot at the right time, this may give the Pacers a solution to their Sheppard dilemma ahead of the playoffs. Regardless, there is still some basketball left, and things could change. However, as it stands, Walker may have played himself into the Pacers' playoff rotation.