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Source: Michael Hickey / Getty
In 2023, the Indiana Pacers selected Jarace Walker with the eighth pick in the 2023 NBA Draft after one season with the Houston Cougars.
Walker was one of the more tantalizing prospects in a draft class that featured Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, the Thompson twins, and others. His length, athleticism, and defensive motor were things that the Pacers lacked. It hasn’t been easy going so far for the 21-year-old.
As a rookie, Walker appeared in 33 games for the Pacers, but primarily spent the season with the Mad Ants, Indiana’s G League Team. In his first NBA offseason, Rick Carlisle challenged Walker to becoming more assertive, aggressive, and tougher. The early returns were there for Walker.
He started the season playing anywhere between 8-16 minutes. Things were challenging for him to find his role because he was splitting time with Ben Sheppard. In the last three games, he has taken Sheppard’s role. He’s scored 16, 10, and 15 points while shooting 15/28 (53.6%) from the field, 9/17 (52.9%) from three-point range, and just over three assists per game.
What caught Carlisle’s attention was his play against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a key piece in the fourth quarter comeback with his defense, allowing the Pacers to take a lead in the final seconds. Last night, he knocked down three important threes.
> “His maturity is beyond his years right now. He’s figured some things out about being a professional. He’s kept himself ready. He’s showing you right now why he was such a high pick for us.” Rick Carlisle after Monday night’s win over Sacramento.
With seven games left in the regular season, Indiana needs to continue developing and building up Walker’s confidence ahead of the playoffs because they are going to need him defensively and to knock down a couple shots. With Pascal Siakam showing some fatigue lately, Walker is going to be needed to spell some minutes so he can get a break. Also, he’s been one of the players Carlisle has rotated in and out of the game in the final seconds when coaches make offensive for defensive substitutions.
Indiana has a two-game advantage over the Detroit Pistons, plus the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Pacers can clinch a top six playoff seed tonight if the Atlanta Hawks lose to the Portland Trail Blazers. If not, Indiana will have a chance at clinching a playoff spot on Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets at 7pm from Gainbridge Fieldhouse.