Isaiah Jackson, an undrafted free agent center from Kentucky, had already signed a three-year deal with the Pacers. The agreement is for $21 million. ESPN covered the announcement, marking a significant milestone in Jackson’s blossoming career. It’s a return for him to the team that traded for him two years ago. At just 23 years old, Jackson is poised to contribute to the Pacers’ young core as they seek to enhance their roster following recent changes.
Jackson was first-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Lakers. He came to the Indiana squad in a difficult five-team trade that went down during the summer of 2021. Since joining the Pacers, Jackson has struggled with consistency, but has flashed his high-level potential. That growth was sidetracked last season by a foot injury. His right Achilles tendon was completely torn way back in early November, forcing him to miss almost all of the 2022 season.
The 2023-24 season would be Jackson’s last year healthy. On court, he was an elite 3-and-D player, averaging 7.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in under 17 minutes of playing time per game. His performance demonstrated his capabilities on both ends of the court and provided the Pacers with a glimpse of his potential impact moving forward.
After losing Myles Turner in free agency, the Pacers have made some bold moves since then. Second, they’re taking some flier moves to shore up their frontcourt. They recently re-signed another former position filler in James Wiseman and traded for 7-footer Jay Huff to help fill the Turner void. The team has never been shy about sharing their excitement on Jackson’s progress and sees him as a key piece of their future plans.
Drew Morrison and Sam Rose of CAA acted on behalf of Jackson to negotiate with the Pacers. Their efforts have secured a deal that both parties are optimistic about, as Jackson looks to build on his previous performances and contribute significantly to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
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