Jarace Walker was already going to play an important role for the Indiana Pacers next season, but fans should feel even more excited about what he can bring with Pascal Siakam taking him under his wing.
In a recent social media post, Siakam showed that he has been working out with the Houston alum ahead of what should be a big season for him. Pacers fans already know how much Siakam has elevated the team since his arrival, so if he can teach Walker a thing or two, that could pay dividends for the long haul.
"It was probably like two weeks ago, pretty deep into summer, Pascal just hit me up one day, said he was trying to get some work in in Orlando, and, I mean, it was a no-brainer," Walker said.
‘SNATCH IT’ ft. @jarace pic.twitter.com/vUwLXOWJEv
— pascal siakam (@pskills43) August 28, 2025
Walker's story during his first two seasons was essentially the same: he showed flashes at times but was disappointing overall. It also didn't help that he never got consistent playing time. Luckily for him, though, things should be completely different next season.
Indiana has a great opportunity next season to experiment a bit with their roster, particularly by showcasing their young stars to see what they can bring to the table in an expanded role. A lot of eyes will be on players like Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, and Isaiah Jackson, but Walker is another guy to monitor throughout the season as he could be in for a breakout season.
Jarace Walker can be a long-time contributor for the Pacers
Though his first two seasons in the NBA have left a lot to be desired, it is clear that Walker has the talent and potential to be an asset for the Pacers.
The Pennsylvania native has shown major improvements on both sides of the ball, and the physicality he provides makes him a unique part of Indiana's roster. Furthermore, his versatility and ability to play multiple positions (including small-ball center, which could be big next season) cannot be understated either.
It's also easy to forget that Walker is just 22 years old. He still has a lot of room to grow, yet he has already shown glimpses of potential.
Walker will never be an MVP candidate, but he can still be a big-time contributor for Indiana. Though their outlook for next season is pretty bleak, the Pacers are still in a good position to compete for a championship for the long haul. Allowing Walker to fulfill his full potential would be huge for him and the team.
There are a lot of stories to follow during the Pacers' "gap year" next season, but it's important to keep an eye on Walker. Many fans have been wanting him to get a bigger role, and as it stands, it looks like they will get their wish soon.