4 Young players the Pacers should develop, 2 to give up on
By Tyler Watts
Give up: Isaiah Jackson
Jackson was a first-round draft pick in 2021 and was traded to the Pacers in the five-team deal that brought Russell Westbrook to the Lakers. There was plenty of promise in year one, especially over his final 16 games where Jackson averaged 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 21.8 minutes per game.
His playing time improved in year two, but his numbers did not follow. Both went south in year three as Jackson earned just 13.1 minutes per gamed during the regular season and barely over ten minutes each night in the playoffs.
The 6’10 big man is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He is set to make $4.4 million in the 2024-25 season, but it is time for the Pacers to move on. They have Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner locked in as starters in the frontcourt. It leaves Jackson battling Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, and James Wiseman for playing time.
Indiana should prioritize their recent lottery selection. Toppin played significantly more last season and will stay ahead of Jackson in the rotation. If Rick Carlisle adds Walker to the nightly mix, that likely eliminates the playing time available for Jackson. It is time to cut bait and focus on developing their higher upside options in the frontcourt.