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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 29: Isaiah Jackson #22 of the Indiana Pacers reacts to an officials call during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 29, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers have had one of the most injury-prone seasons in decades. Tyrese Haliburton was supposed to miss this year, and that was it. Instead, several key players have had multiple injuries this season, derailing any hope of making a repeat trip to the NBA Finals.
Isaiah Jackson is one of those players who has gotten hurt. He suffered a concussion after being elbowed in the head by Neemais Queta in a game against the Celtics. That injury has caused Jackson to miss the last 10 games. Jackson started the season as the starting center.
With Jackson out, the Pacers had to sign Micah Potter to help with depth at the center position. Now, they finally have a positive injury update to share about Jackson.
GettyIndiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson drives the ball. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Indiana Pacers Give Positive Injury Update on Isaiah Jackson
Ahead of their game against the Heat, head coach Rick Carlisle gave a positive update on Jackson’s status moving forward.
“He’s been cleared, but now he needs to get back in shape. This will take some time. We’re hoping a week. That’s the hope. It’s taken a while to clear all of the protocols, but he’s in a good place now. He’s certainly been working hard at it.”
The Pacers are a team that desperately needs a center to contribute. Jackson was signed to a three-year deal before the season started, and he has been disappointing. He has not improved on the defensive end of the court, as he still fouls at an alarming rate.
Still, the Pacers are incredibly thin at the center spot, so much so that they didn’t start a center against Miami. They ended up winning that game and being up by as much as 25 points. Yet, having Jackson as an option would be nice for this team moving forward.
GettyIndiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle gestures in a game. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Pacers Will Likely Try to Trade for a Center
Even with Jackson coming back shortly, the Pacers are likely going to survey the trade market for a center. Jackson, Potter, Jay Huff, and Tony Bradley are not long-term answers at the center position. In order for them to be title contenders next season, they need a new starting center.
Indiana will be looking around at the different players available in a trade because the free agent market this summer at center is not strong. Jackson is clearly best used as a backup center. Carlisle had high hopes for him to be the starter moving forward, but he hasn’t been able to live up to expectations.
The Pacers will likely have a top-four pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, allowing them to add some significant talent. Haliburton will be returning to the lineup fully healthy next year, as well. That means adding a center that can best be used to help the rest of the offense is their biggest goal at the trade deadline.