Isaiah Jackson started slowly as the Indiana Pacers' new starting center, but he's beginning to turn in impressive performances on a consistent basis.
In his first five games, the Michigan native averaged 4.8 points on 45.5% shooting from the field, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.4 fouls. However, he stepped up in a major way in his next two games, averaging 15.5 points on 58.8% shooting, 9 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.
At less than $8 million per season, Jackson could soon be the bargain player the Pacers need entering the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline and the offseason. Additionally, he could be invaluable as a trade asset or simply for rounding out what could soon be a more expensive rotation as Indiana looks for its long-term center solution after Myles Turner's offseason exit.
Isaiah Jackson can be a major player for the Pacers for the long run
Jackson had been a solid backup to Turner for the first four seasons of his NBA career. However, he is now being tasked with replacing him. And while the results are up and down so far, there is a lot to like about his long-term outlook with the team.
Even though he is coming off an Achilles injury, he still looks like the same player on the court, if not even better. He is still able to use his athleticism to his advantage, which allows him to bring energy every time he gets minutes. Plus, he is continuing to improve in every area of the game, and he still brings value in the paint on both sides of the ball.
Another interesting development to monitor regarding Jackson is his free-throw efficiency. Heading into this season, he was a career 67.1% shooter from the line. So far this season? He is shooting 88.2%.
It's a very small sample size, but this seemingly minor improvement can be what helps him take it up to another level as a reliable big man for Indiana.
Additionally, Jackson is only 23 years old and has not hit his peak yet. He is already a great fit in Indiana's system because of his athleticism and ability to run the floor on both sides of the ball.
It remains to be seen whether the Kentucky alum is the Pacers' best post-Turner option at center. But as it stands, there are reasons to be optimistic, especially considering that he is on a team-friendly deal. And considering that the Pacers may still want to stay under the luxury tax for as long as possible, it seems that Jackson could be a solution to a few of their problems.