The Pacers have signed first-round pick Isaiah Jackson, according to a team press release.
Jackson, the 22nd overall pick, was acquired from the Lakers on draft night. That trade was folded into the five-team deal that sent Russell Westbrook to the Lakers.
The 6’10” forward was one-and-done at Kentucky and was named to the All-Southeastern Conference Freshman and Defensive Teams. He averaged 8.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG and 2.6 BPG in 25 games with the Wildcats.
Assuming the usual 120% rate above the rookie scale, Jackson will make approximately $2.45MM in his rookie season and could make more than $12.1MM over the next four years.
The Pacers already signed the No. 13 overall pick, Chris Duarte.
Jackson needed more development time. One more year at Kentucky and he likely would have been a lottery pick in 2022.
Why are the Celtics tagged on this post?
The 5 team deal I assume.
Don’t think they are?
Pacers may not need Jackson next year, as they have Bitadze, but they needed another big in the recent past (’20) and Bitadze may not be that much more mature. Depends, but the Pacer HC was fired, so a fresh start for everyone.
Jackson is different, hopefully complimentary, a rebounding machine who can switch. Probably not a scorer. Bitadze who has that projection, has not been able to find a rhythym in limited minutes. He may just be a big brute to some, and sometimes he is, but that is not enough anymore. IMO
He’s an active big. Has some post moves. I like him. Can play small ball 5 or play the 4. He can guard bigs on perimeter. Pacers got two nice picks in draft. And they will be healthy next yr. I can see them fight for top 4 in East.
I can see the Pacers hoping he pans out defensively to give them more leeway to move Turner. Right now, its tough to move Turner because he is their defense. The defense completely fell apart when Turner went down with his injury. And as much as Sabonis contributes offensively, he’s not a natural rim protector and has trouble defending without fouling.