It’s still to be determined of what the 2021-22 Indiana Pacers will be remembered for.
So far, Lance Stephenson’s 20 point first quarter, the season sweep of the Utah Jazz, and the back-to-back road wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are leading candidates.
Not bad when you consider not only who is on the team, but what they have gone through. Malcolm Brogdon continues to be a walking band-aid, Myles Turner’s attitude isn’t winning him any new fans around here, and the cohesiveness of the group isn’t sharp.
I wrote a few weeks back to the star players for the Pacers can learn a thing or two from the reserve squad in the effort and passion department.
On Monday night inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, that narrative continued to write itself; Thanks to Isaiah Jackson.
Who knows how many games this team will win down the stretch. But one thing is for sure, the rookies should be unleashed.
Rick Carlisle made the right move by giving Jackson the opportunity to shine versus the Clippers. Chris Duarte had an off night. But it will only continue to benefit the Pacers if they let the young kids learn and then continue to explore retooling the team.
Jackson may not necessarily be the next Turner, but he has at least matched him statistically.
Mark Boyle asked on the Pacers Radio Network during the broadcast, “When was the last time the Pacers had a player like Jackson who could match his athleticism?” Eddie Gill responded with the answer of Gerald Green.
Green’s time in Indiana ended in the spring of 2013; So you could say it’s been a while.
Kevin Pritchard is on the right track with what the future can look like. It’s up to him and Herb Simon to keep the Blue and Gold on the correct route. That will come when the NBA trade deadline window shuts around Indianapolis.
