The Indiana Pacers rested pretty much their whole team against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night, which culminated in a 131-122 loss for them. However, despite the stars being out, the Pacers got an incredible performance out of Quenton Jackson, who just sent a message to the team that he deserves a standard contract.
In the loss, Jackson recorded 24 points (one point shy of his career high) on 9-for-10 shooting (including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc), three assists, three steals, and one rebound in 17 minutes off the bench.
The California native played his typical brand of basketball, lighting it up in transition, playing with a lot of energy, and playing tough defense. He has been on a two-way contract for the entirety of his Pacers tenure up to this point, but many believe he's deserving of getting rewarded with a standard deal by the end of the season. And on Tuesday, he seemingly sent that exact message to the front office.
Quenton Jackson can provide serious value in Indiana
Jackson will never be a regular starter for the Pacers. He's going to be stuck behind Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell for a long time (and not to mention the possibility of the team adding Kansas' Darryn Peterson in this year's draft), but that's not a bad thing at all.
The Texas A&M alum further proved on Tuesday that he can make a big impact in every area of the game, even when coming off the bench, and it's clear that he's a good fit in Indiana's system.
Jackson has had numerous moments and flashes of potential this season. He recorded a 25-point, 10-assist double-double against the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 1. He has shot 50% or better from the field in 10 of his 24 games this season. And he has constantly proven that he has a high motor and is incredibly athletic.
There is a lot to like about Jackson, and it's clear that he provides value whenever he steps onto the court. He does have limited upside at 27 years old, but he can still be incredibly solid as just a backup or third-string point guard.
As it stands, there is still a lot of basketball left to be played this season. And there will be plenty more opportunities for Jackson to take advantage of. But if his latest performance was any indication, the Pacers already know exactly what they need to do by the end of the season.