It was a small sample size, but Isaiah Jackson was an elite rim protector for the Indiana Pacers last season, and that should make fans excited.
According to CraftedNBA, Jackson ranked in the 99th percentile in rim frequency, and he ranked in the 98th percentile in block % and rim defense. Pacers fans will need to see Jackson do more of this in an expanded role next season, but early on, there are reasons to be intrigued about the defensive value he can provide.
The Pacers need Isaiah Jackson to step up next season
After Myles Turner shockingly left Indiana in the offseason and joined the Milwaukee Bucks as a free agent, the Pacers are now being tasked with having to replace him.
Despite Turner's flaws, he was a fantastic fit in the Pacers' system. He could stretch the floor and protect the rim at a high level, and he had a unique skillset that worked out well in Indiana. With the Texas native no longer in the picture, the Pacers are going to have a difficult time replacing him. This is especially true if they want to find a one-for-one replacement for him, which they may have to do eventually to remain title contenders.
As it stands, the Pacers are expected to run a committee at center and utilize multiple big men in an effort to replace Turner. The Pacers have a few intriguing options, such as Jay Huff and James Wiseman (and, technically, Tony Bradley for now), but Jackson may be the most important of them all.
Nothing is official yet, but it is safe to assume that Jackson will be the Pacers' starting center next season. The Michigan native has been with the team the longest, has proven to be a good fit in their system, and he is the youngest of the three (or four). It also helps that Rick Carlisle is very clearly a big fan of his and has high hopes for him.
The Pacers have a tough center problem that they will be tasked with finding a solution for. For the time being, running a committee may be their best option, but it is still far from ideal, especially since none of them are established starters on championship contenders.
A lot of eyes will be on Huff and Wiseman as they each have something to prove next season and could be long-term contributors for the Pacers. However, it is looking like the starting job is Jackson's to lose.
With Tyrese Haliburton out for the year, not many are expecting the Pacers to be competitive next season. However, up to this point, there have been no reasons to believe the team will tank. Another NBA Finals run will be incredibly unlikely, but if there is any team that can shock the basketball world in this fashion, it's the Pacers. In order for them to make it happen, though, they will need a plethora of players to step up, and that especially includes Jackson.