Isaiah Jackson, left, and Chris Duarte were introduced at an Indiana Pacers press conference Friday. Both were first-round draft picks Thursday. (Indiana Pacers Photo)
The Indiana Pacers wanted an “infusion of athleticism” from the NBA Draft and also needed shot-blocking. That’s why coach Rick Carlisle believes Kentucky’s Isaiah Jackson was a terrific addition for the Pacers Thursday.
“We really don’t have a prototypical rim threat for lobs. And we need defensive versatility. When he worked out here and played here in the competitive part of (the workout), he demonstrated a feel for the game that I thought was unique for a guy 6-9, 6-10 that had been playing center,” Carlisle said Friday.
Jackson was picked 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Lakers and then traded to Washington and then sent to the Pacers in a prearranged deal.
Jackson said his agent told him Indiana was actually the team drafting him and that was perfect for him since he grew up in nearby Detroit.
“I hold my family dearly to my heart, so hearing that I was getting picked up close to home, it put a smile to my face,” Jackson said Friday during a press conference in Indianapolis.
He started 18 of 25 games at UK last year and averaged 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocked shots per game despite averaging only 20.8 minutes per game. He finished the season with 65 blocked shots and ranked 15th nationally in blocks per game. He also had 19 steals.
Jackson shot 54 percent from the field at UK and after his workout with the Pacers, Carlisle gave him some suggested adjustments to make. Jackson said no other coach did that after any other pre-draft workout.
“We believe long-term that he has a great chance to develop into not only a five that can block shots, run, and do all those things, but also can become a skilled four,” Carlisle said. “It’s going to take work. His role at Kentucky was more as a rim-runner, rim threat. He wasn’t on the perimeter that much.
“But in our game today, you’re seeing that the centers are shooting the ball from 30 feet. And so there’s got to be a developmental path and a trajectory for a guy like him that has the feel and the tools.”
Jackson, 19, said at the press conference Friday he said Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett was his favorite player and that’s where he got his defensive intensity from. Now Carlisle is ready to help him develop his offensive game that Garnett also had.
“He’s just got an amazing opportunity with an organization that believes in him and what he’s been about and what he can become,” Carlisle said. “This is a very exciting day. He’s by no means a finished product.”
Jackson understands he has a lot to learn and will be facing some of the league’s best players at his position.
“I feel like just learning and playing against some of the best guys in the league is what the NBA is about. Like it’s learning, picking people’s brains, just soaking everything in pretty much like a sponge,” Jackson said after his draft selection.
“So, that’s what I’m planning to do, learn from all the vets that come into my life and everybody I play against, try to pick their brain.”
