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Why Jarace Walker holds the key to the Pacers' future

Jarace Walker hardly played as a rookie. Yet, he holds the key to the Pacers' future for a variety of reasons.

By Ryan Stano

Mar 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) reacts during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) reacts during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Over the years, the Pacers have had to draft well and make shrewd trades in order to improve the team. They aren't a destination for free agents and they never will be. Because of that, their scouting has had to be really good over the years with the Draft. They hardly have a high draft pick either.

Last season, they decided to draft Jarace Walker with the 8th overall pick. They really liked him during the scouting process and they still do. He's long, athletic, and has the traits to be an excellent wing. The problem is that he didn't show that during the regular season in his rookie year.

Walker never got steady playing time. The rookie who ended up breaking into the rotation was Ben Sheppard, who showed some promise as a three-and-D guard. Even though Walker hardly played in his first year, he still holds the keys to the Pacers future.

What the Pacers decide to do with Jarace Walker will determine their future

Walker is still a really good prospect. He's now played on a team that made the Eastern Conference Finals and learned a lot. Indiana could allow him a chance to break into the rotation if they decide to let Obi Toppin walk in free agency. Walker would slide into the backup power forward spot.

The Pacers could also decide to trade Walker for more of a win-now piece. Packaging him with some picks as well as another contract could entice some teams that are stuck in neutral to part with some good players. Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram, and other wings will be on their wishlist.

Walker is the guy who determines if the Pacers decide to be a win-now team or try to develop young players while still being very good. If they are smart. Personally, I think they should look around the league and shop Walker while he still has this potential.

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Going all-in to win now is something Indiana doesn't get to do very often. With a young superstar in Tyrese Haliburton and a veteran in Pascal Siakam, they need to try to compete for an NBA title with every fiber of their being.

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