Earlier this offseason, the Indiana Pacers extended a qualifying offer to Isaiah Jackson and then ultimately signed him to a three-year, $21 million deal. While the Pacers likely needed to make this move, especially after Myles Turner's shocking exit, not every exec understood this move, according to NBA writer Zach Lowe (h/t The Zach Lowe Show).
"I've seen people write in the media and heard people say in Vegas, 'Hey, did that one surprise you, that they picked up his qualifying offer and then signed to him a fully-guaranteed three-year, $21 million deal coming off an Achilles tear, and are we sure he's good?" Lowe said of Isaiah Jackson's new contract. "I actually think the deal is totally fine...three years and $21 million is like, if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. They see potential in him on both ends of the floor...it's their guy, they paid him some money. I don't care."
As Lowe notes, some were a bit skeptical of Indiana signing Jackson to this type of deal, considering that he has not had much of an expanded role during his tenure with the team, and because he is fresh off an Achilles injury. Furthermore, it does seem like the Pacers are putting a lot of trust in him to make up for Turner's departure, which has a real chance to backfire.
Regardless, if the Michigan native pans out as the team's presumed next starting center, this deal could be a great one for the long haul. Jackson has a lot of intriguing tools and traits and will be crucial to the Pacers' goal of replacing Turner. Whether he will be the main guy or not remains to be seen.
There is a lot to like about Isaiah Jackson
Perhaps above all else, Jackson brings a lot of energy anytime he steps onto the court, and he is incredibly athletic. So much so that head coach Rick Carlisle recently called him one of the best athletes he has ever seen across all sports. Furthermore, at just 23 years old, he still has a lot of potential and room to grow.
Jackson is also capable of running the floor and matching Indiana's fast pace. This bodes incredibly well for him, especially since not too many big men in the league would be able to do the same.
One of the biggest knocks on Jackson's game is that he has very little offensive value outside the paint. He does not have much of a jumpshot, especially behind the three-point line. Given that he is looking to help replace Turner, one of the best stretch bigs in the NBA, this could prove to be a major problem for him and the team. However, if he can grow in this area, it will only make him more valuable in the long run.
There is still a lot of time left until the start of next season, so things can change. However, as it stands, it seems like Jackson is the favorite to take over as the Pacers' next starting center. There are risks to doing this, but there is no denying that the potential is there. If he can play up to his new role, then the Kentucky alum will quickly become one of the team's most important players as they look to re-establish themselves as legitimate title contenders.