4 Pacers whose stocks are skyrocketing, 3 that are fading fast
By Tyler Watts
Stock fading: Isaiah Jackson
Jackson was the 22nd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and wound up in Indiana after the five-team trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Lakers. He jumped into the rotation down the stretch of his rookie season and had fans excited after averaging 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 21.8 minutes per game over his final 16 contests.
Jackson played 16 minutes per game in year two and failed to impress. He put up 7.2 points and 1.5 blocks but had a negative box score plus-minus. Jackson has a limited offensive game and the Pacers just simply do not have enough minutes for everyone.
This season, Jackson is outside the nightly rotation. He has played in five games so far and is averaging 5.6 points and 1.8 blocks in 14.6 minutes per game. The 21-year-old can offer some rim protection when needed but is currently behind Myles Turner, Obi Toppin, and Jalen Smith in the big man pecking order for Rick Carlisle.
The former first-round pick is waiting for an opportunity and may get traded before starting the final year of his rookie contract. The Indiana Pacers do not have a massive role for Isaiah Jackson, but some team may take a chance on his potential.