Young Pacers big men Jalen Smith and Isaiah Jackson are not playing the roles they initially expected to this season, writes Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. Smith entered the season as the starting power forward but has since been moved to center as the Pacers deploy smaller lineups.
Both Smith and Jackson had seen a minutes uptick when starter Myles Turner missed a few games recently with back spasms, but now must compete for primary backup honors behind him.
“I brought them together and I said, ‘You guys both need to be ready,'” head coach Rick Carlisle said. “‘Myles is back. He’s starting. My decision on who is going to back him up is going to be a split-second decision based on what I’m seeing and feeling in the game. I’d like to be able to tell you guys which guy for sure is going to be in there first. But I don’t know that.'”
Dopirak notes that Carlisle has alternated between both players as his Turner’s primary backup in the four games the club has played since Turner rejoined the Pacers. Smith has served as the lead reserve in three of those four occasions. Per Dopriak, both players bring different skill sets to the table — Smith is the better shooter and rebounder, while Jackson is speedier and a better player around the rim.
“These are decisions that are not easy decisions,” Carlisle noted. “I think the way the game is now, it’s so dynamic and it can change on a split-second’s notice. You can go into a game and say that one guy for sure is going to play and have some events happen that trigger someone else going into the game.”
There’s more out of the Central Division:
- As the February 9 trade deadline approaches, the Bucks could go in a variety of different directions, Eric Nehm of The Athletic writes in a deadline primer for the team.
- In the middle of a rebuilding 2022/23 season, Mike Curtis of The Detroit News (subscription required) supplies his grades for a 12-36 Pistons roster. Jalen Duren (A), Isaiah Stewart (A), Bojan Bogdanovic (A-minus), and Alec Burks (A-minus) lead the way, with general manager Troy Weaver also earning an A grade.
- As they return home from a Thursday game in Paris against the Pistons, the Bulls are hoping to maintain the momentum that has them on a 10-6 stretch, writes K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. “We have to show how much we want it,” All-Star Chicago forward DeMar DeRozan said of his team’s ethos. “Every single game from here on out is basically like a do-or-die. And not to look at it like it’s pressure or a bad thing. It’s an exciting thing.”
Isaiah Jackson should be a starter, Myles Turner should be traded, contract year never going to get amount of production you are out of him, as you will in the future. Jalen Smith should be getting Bobby Portis minutes, but unfortunately Rick Carlisle is so out of touch. He has a reputation of being out of it, he is in a constant haze, but perfect for the Pacers. With Tyrese they’ll make the playoffs, but one and done. And can’t expect more out of them than that, have to hold them accountable, otherwise all we’ll get is mediocrity and what they’re selling for their fans. Not fair to the organization or to the team.
The Pacers are building something right now. Myles Turner is a good fit with this group which is why they started discussing an extension.
Turner plays well with Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton is an absolute stud, and a franchise player. The rookie Mathurin is very good. Turner fits with these guys and he remains one of the better rim protectors in the league.
Rick Carlisle is old school. This team right now listens to Carlisle, and respects him. Carlisle didn’t fit with Luka, but he fits with these Pacers.
That’s ridiculous what they’re doing in Indiana. Just trade Turner and let the young guys get the minutes. Turner isn’t resigning.
I like what the Pacers are doing. Turner is having an all star caliber year. The young guys are playing well. I hope they resign Turner but understand trading him. Go Pacers!
Shocking to hear that the Bucks offered Houston 4 second round picks for Gordon. That’s a huge overpay for a guy who’s having a terrible year (George Hill has been better lately). They won’t get a first for him.
Bucks don’t really need anything but Middleton healthy. Ingles is basically their deadline acquisition. They need to think about getting younger and should worry more about the future with Giannis (because they can’t trade KM right now, but should in the off season).
They do need to get rid of Ibaka and Nwora. I’d love to see those 2 and Hill traded to the Knicks for Reddish and Jericho Sims. Throw in a couple of 2nds if the Knicks want (they are only asking for a 2nd for Reddish).
It gets rid of dead weight on the Bucks roster, gives them a couple of young players to develop and gives the Knicks a little more cap room after a couple of those deals expire (and Nwora is slow and steady, so maybe he’s what their idiot coach prefers).
Malik Beasley would solve a lot of problems for Milwaukee. Shoots the 3 and can play on and off the ball.
But can’t play defense. Middleton getting healthy would have the Bucks in great position. I’m not sure if Beasley is really that much of an upgrade from Grayson Allen. He’s cost more and doesn’t guard. It’s a wash really.
Grayson is a liability for dumb decisions…
Malik is a liability on defence but he tries…
If I was Milwaukee I’d jump and ridding the team of Grayson for some shooting…
Utterly stupid. Grayson is a trade chip ONLY because he’s one of the few making significant salary. He’s having a second consecutive CAREER YEAR and is shooting great. He’s also turning in his best defensive year, with an exceptional year (he was solely an effort guy for us last year, but has learned the scheme and is in better position to make plays all the time now, in addition to effort).
They need a young piece for the future. Cam is on the cheap.
They don’t need to get rid of a starter who is playing great.
True. Allen is having his best year on both sides of the ball. He’s gone from a confused effort guy to being in the right place on D at all times and still hustling. He’s also having his second straight career year shooting and scoring and is starting to be a creator.
It’s not a wash. It would be a HUGE downgrade.
Kuzma and Turner pairing sounds good.