Quenton Jackson, or Q-Jax, as his teammates know him, was one of the highlights of the Indiana Pacers' gap year. While that may be disappointing to those expecting a star rookie or a massive leap from someone like Andrew Nembhard, there's nothing wrong with a silver lining.
The 6'4 guard was converted from a two-way deal in late February, during the terrible, no-good, very bad season we just got through. At the time, it made sense, as the season had only just over a month remaining.
However, most were expecting Jackson to get waived as his deal did not have any guarantees before the July 15th deadline. Doing so would have offered the Indiana Pacers far more roster flexibility, with a third-string guard not really being a position of need.
Pacers guaranteed Quenton Jackson's contract
Between rookie Braden Smith and the dependable TJ McConnell, it seems unlikely for Jackson to get any run, but maybe this move was one made for morale.
Think about it.
Jackson is the embodiment of deserved opportunity. He maximized his chance last season and turned it into a real NBA career, even if that just means a single extended year. That should get everyone working even harder.
From the bottom of the roster to the top, this is the right way to send a message.
Player over participation trophy
Maybe that's not enough credit to give Jackson. He is, after all, a player who warranted his contract conversion and keeping him on the roster. There has to be something there.
Jackson is an impressive perimeter defender, an incredibly high-effort glue guy, and a decent guard to have around just in case.
Even with enough depth, the Pacers just saw their season implode because of constant, unending injuries, and having playable players is obviously better than not having them. One thing is for certain: Jackson is an NBA-level talent.
There are worse things to spend that money on, especially considering LeBron James is unfortunately not walking through the door.
Still, questions now remain on who the Pacers can even sign. They are now only 2.23 million dollars below the first apron, meaning that they don't even really have a full minimum deal available.
Instead, they can sign a player with less than two years of NBA experience to a one-year deal. For those of you keeping track at home, that means Jalen Slawson, who is playing excellently in summer league, cannot be that option because he is entering his third season after being drafted by the Sacramento Kings.
As unfortunate as that may be, it opens the door for Rienk Mast, the undrafted, unheralded big man from Nebraska, to earn that deal.
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