Pacers big man Isaiah Jackson has been extremely productive in his third Summer League with back-to-back double-doubles.
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Background Information
LAS VEGAS — As the only member of the Indiana Pacers’ roster participating in his third NBA Summer League, Isaiah Jackson could easily view this experience as drudgery.
The NBA limits players to three Summer Leagues, and while others on the team have been relegated to the sidelines, Jackson has embraced the opportunity to showcase his talent.
After a challenging season where he found himself stuck behind starter Myles Turner at center, Jackson willingly accepted a demotion to play for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
However, now that he has the chance to shine in Summer League games, he is making every moment count.
Rising Productivity on Display
In his first two games of the season, Jackson has made a significant impact. He faced the Orlando Magic and contributed to a winning effort by scoring 11 points on 6-of-11 shooting and grabbing 11 boards.
This performance followed an impressive double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds during Saturday night’s game. Notably, Jackson showcased his athleticism through powerful dunks and blocked shots.
Through these Summer League games, Jackson is manifesting himself as a high-energy player who excels at both ends of the court.
He acknowledges that playing hard is how he earns points and contributes to scoring opportunities through offensive rebounding and putbacks.
Embracing Leadership Role
Jackson has taken on the role of being a defensive leader within the team. With his experience as center guiding him, he directs traffic at the back of defense, ensuring effective communication among defenders when screen plays are involved.
While Turner takes on this role as well during regular season games for the Pacers, Summer League allows Jackson to fully immerse himself in it.
The Pacers have won their initial two games primarily due to their strong defense. In their most recent game, the Magic struggled to find their rhythm, shooting only 34.4% from the field in the first half.
Jackson takes pride in being able to help and guide younger players on the court. He has embraced his leadership position and remains vocal during screens and defensive maneuvers.
Improvement as a Rebounder
Jackson has also demonstrated tremendous improvement as a rebounder. Despite facing stiff competition for playing time against teammate Jalen Smith, he is determined to establish himself as the clear backup center behind Turner. Last season, Smith outperformed Jackson in terms of rebounding rate, averaging 11.1 rebounds per 36 minutes compared to Jackson’s 9.7.
However, through the first two Summer League games this year, Jackson has been dominant on the boards, accumulating an impressive total of 25 rebounds in just 55 minutes of play—an average of 16.4 rebounds per 36 minutes.
Jackson credits physical development and improved technique for his success as a rebounder. While he already possesses advantageous physical attributes such as a wingspan of approximately 7-2½ inches and a vertical leap of 37.5 inches,
he has also focused on building strength during offseason workouts. Weighing around 230 pounds after adding muscle mass during his time in the weight room—a significant increase from his listed weight of 205 pounds when drafted—Jackson aims to use his newfound strength to hold ground while boxing out opponents effectively.
Furthermore, despite being considered a veteran player within Summer League rosters at just age 21, Jackson continues to learn from others around him—both rookies and experienced players alike—in order to expand his skills further.
For example, teammate Oscar Tshiebwe—who led all Division I players in rebounding for two consecutive years—has provided valuable insights into becoming an exceptional rebounder through positioning oneself strategically under the rim.
Jackson has absorbed these lessons and implemented them on the court, leading to improved rebounding success.
Battling for Playing Time
As the Pacers gear up for their upcoming training camp, Jackson acknowledges that he still faces a challenging battle for playing time.
With Turner firmly established as the starting center due to his recent $20 million per year contract extension and Jalen Smith proving himself as a formidable competitor, securing minutes on the court will not be an easy task.
Additionally, veteran big man Daniel Theis—who played in just seven games last season—further complicates the competition at center.
Nevertheless, Jackson’s strong performance during Summer League has undoubtedly bolstered his chances of garnering meaningful playing time during the regular season.
Despite missing out on a third game in this year’s Summer League—an uncommon occurrence for established players—Jackson has made an indelible impression throughout July.
Known for anchoring their defense and demonstrating remarkable basketball IQ on both ends of the court, his inclusion in lineups instills confidence among coaches and teammates alike.
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Final Thoughts
Isaiah Jackson’s third NBA Summer League has transformed from potential drudgery into a platform where he can showcase his skills and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Through dominant rebounding displays, improved physicality, and embracing leadership responsibilities, Jackson is proving that he deserves significant minutes once the regular season begins.
As he battles against talented teammates for playing time during training camp, it remains crucial for Jackson to continue honing his skills and improving areas such as foul management.
Nonetheless, with each impressive performance in Summer League games, he solidifies his case for increased responsibilities within the Indiana Pacers franchise.
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