Indiana Pacers Re-Sign Center Isaiah Jackson, Beef Up Center Rotation

LAS VEGAS – The Indiana Pacers are re-signing center Isaiah Jackson and keeping the young big man in Indianapolis going forward.

Jackson, 23, was drafted by the Pacers in 2021 and just wrapped up his four-year rookie contract. He was a restricted free agent, which gave Indiana a chance to match offers from other teams if they wanted to keep Jackson. They made it clear they wanted to retain him, and President of Basketball Operations discussed Jackson’s outlook earlier this week.

“We’re moving in a good direction with Isaiah,” he said. “I think the sky’s the limit for him.”

Jackson averaged 7.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season, healthy numbers for a backup big. But he only played in five games for the Pacers – in early November, the Kentcuky product suffered a torn Achilles against the New Orleans Pelicans. It ended his season.

He scored in double figures twice before the injury and showed improved reboudning chops. It was a big loss for the Pacers, who are now hoping to keep developing the Michican native. Indiana traded away assets to acquire the athletic big man in 2021.

“This is year four. I know it’s what I’m coming into this year, which is playing hard,” Jackson said before the 2024-25 season.

Why the Pacers opted to keep Jackson

The Pacers needed a backup five when free agency began. But after losing Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana had few centers under contract. They had to bring in some big men, and Jackson was one of the better options they had.

He fits well with the blue and gold. As an athletic, above the rim player on offense, Jackson has found success in the up-tempo Indiana system. He’s been able to grow as a defender and rim finisher.

In his last full season, he shot 79.5% from 0-3 feet and had 72 dunks. His finishing is part of what makes him an important fit for the Pacers, and his defense has continued to improve. His foot speed allows him to guard several positions, and he’s become more disicplined with his foul avoidance in recent years.

“When I think about Isaiah and what he did in the playoffs, not this year but the previous year, he had big monents against New York,” Pritchard said. “I think we’ve got some real upside guys,” he added of the center position.

There is a chance that Jackson is the Pacers starter at center this season. With Turner on the way to Milwaukee, Indiana has a hole at the five. Jackson – along with Jay Huff, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley – are the only bigs on the roster. The team is expected to have a center by comittee approach this season.

“We’re going to have three or four really good centers that are going to come in and compete for a starting position. We’ve always done well when there’s a lot of competition at a position,” Pritchad said. Jackson will be in that mix and might have the inside track for the starting job give his familiarity with the franchise.

Jackson’s deal is for three years and totals $21 million. There are no options, and it’s fully guaranteed outside of some protections for injuries. That makes good sense for the Pacers given Jackson’s recent injury.

The Pacers now have 15 players under contract and are about $7.1 million below the luxury tax.