For years, Indiana Pacers fans have praised Quenton Jackson, calling him one of the most underrated players in the league. But now, it seems like that may be changing.
In a recent episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast," Simmons gave a shoutout to the Pacers guard, saying he "likes" him and that fans should expect to see more of him amid the team's slow start.
"Quenton Jackson on the Pacers, I like. He's a guard. You'll see him a lot as they start tanking," Simmons said.
Quenton Jackson can become a legitimate contributor for the Pacers
Jackson has spent parts of the last three seasons in Indiana on a two-way contract, but most would tell you he's too good to be on this type of deal. The Los Angeles native has shown glimpses of potential whenever he does get legitimate playing time for the Pacers. And this has especially been true this season.
In five games this season, including three starts, Jackson averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1 steal while shooting 54.1% from the field and 50% from deep. This includes a fantastic 25-point, 10-assist game in Indiana's first win of the season against the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 1.
Jackson is a great fit for the team for a few reasons. He is incredibly athletic and always plays with a lot of energy. Additionally, he provides value in multiple areas. He is fantastic at getting to the rim (he is a career 68.3% shooter from inside the arc), and he is a quick defender who can play the passing lanes and make things difficult for the opposing team.
Unfortunately for him, he happens to play on a team that also rosters Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell.
Jackson's biggest problem in Indiana isn't his skillset. It's his lack of opportunity. Plus, it doesn't help that he's already 27 years old and doesn't have a lot of upside.
Still, the Texas A&M alum has proven time and time again that he is too good to be on a two-way contract. He deserves a standard deal, and it should happen this season. Jackson stepped up when the Pacers needed him, given the plethora of injuries they were dealing with in the backcourt, and they will likely continue to rely on him as they navigate through life without Haliburton this season.
Jackson will never be the best player on the Pacers' roster, but that's not a knock on him. That's just a testament to how deep the team is. Sooner or later, Jackson will have his opportunity to prove he can compete and contribute at the NBA level.
If Simmons is noticing exactly what Jackson can bring to the table, you better believe that many others certainly are as well. For Indiana's sake, it better hope that it's with this team. Otherwise, other teams may be quick to poach him the second they can.