The start of his NBA career wasn't pretty, but it's looking like Jarace Walker is truly turning the corner. All he needed was some time, and now that he's gotten it, things are looking very promising for him in an Indiana Pacers jersey.
Walker's start to this season was a bit shaky. He had some incredible moments (like scoring 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 24). But he also had some terrible ones (like turning the ball over six times against the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 9). However, Santa must've been incredibly nice to him last year, because he's been a completely different player since Christmas.
In his last 24 games, the Houston alum has averaged 12.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1 steal while shooting 48.6% from the field and 46.4% from deep.
Not only do his numbers look solid, but he passes the eye test as well. Walker has looked way more comfortable on both sides of the ball over the past month or two. He's putting the ball on the floor and is much more decisive in his decisions, and he also doesn't look nearly as lost defensively as he has.
The talent was always there with Walker. That's why he was drafted eighth overall in 2023, and it's why fans had been clamoring for him to get more playing time in his first two seasons. But because of his inconsistent playing time and having way too much on his plate earlier this season, his game didn't reflect the talent he had.
Things are different now, though. Walker looks good (for real, this time), and he's proving that he can be a true asset in Indiana for a long time coming.
The future is bright for Jarace Walker in Indiana
Sometimes it's easy to forget that Walker is just 22 years old. He's the youngest player on the roster not named Johnny Furphy, and in some ways, he should be looked at as a prospect.
This is the first full season of Walker's NBA career where he's had a full-time role, and it's natural for him to go through some growing pains. But now, it looks like he's finally sorting everything out and is proving why he belongs.
On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania native led the C-team to a 115-110 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. He led the game in scoring with 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting, and he also recorded five rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block (and just two turnovers) in 32 minutes.
Walker has always been a fantastic player, but he just needed the time and opportunity for everybody to see that. And now, it seems like he's finally putting everybody on notice, and that should only continue moving forward.