BBNBA Preview: Isaiah Jackson brings rare athleticism to Pacers

Isaiah Jackson is one of the most athletic players to pass through Lexington under John Calipari. His stats don’t pop off the page, but his athleticism sure does. In what will be his first year in the NBA, Jackson has a massive learning curve ahead of him while his sheer defensive talent may earn him minutes right away.

Here’s what to expect from Kentucky’s lone first-round pick of the 2021 NBA Draft:

Preseason

Isaiah Jackson’s seven on-court appearances (five in Summer League + two preseason games) thus far with the Indiana Pacers resemble exactly what the 6-foot-10 19-year-old was for Kentucky. He’s displayed extraordinary athleticism and a knack for making plays on defense while his offense is catching up.

In the Summer League, Jackson averaged 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks. He also matched a Summer League record by blocking 7 shots in one game:

Isaiah Jackson doing it all.. including 7 BLOCKS! 😳#NBASummer on @NBATV pic.twitter.com/Y8lOLkDx7d

— NBA (@NBA) August 16, 2021

His tremendous shot-blocking ability has already translated to the next level, to no surprise. That’s why Indiana Pacers General Manager Kevin Pritchard drafted him. That and athleticism comparable to Paul George.

His abilities on the defensive end might be enough to get Isaiah Jackson playing time as a rookie. Pacers wing Caris LeVert believes “he can guard one through five.” And his coach, Rick Carlisle, has praised Jackson’s defensive versatility as “absolutely breathtaking.”

In 26 minutes of play through Indiana’s two preseason games, Jackson has dunked four times, grabbed eight rebounds and blocked three shots while recording a slew of deflections. So far, he looks even scarier on defense than he did at Kentucky. Even at the highest level of basketball, Isaiah Jackson stands out physically.

Check out his highlight reel from Friday night’s game vs. Cleveland.

Role & Expectations

Isaiah Jackson is a tough player to judge this early in his career. He’s 19 years old and plays like it. He makes all the mistakes a rookie should make. His offense is beyond raw. Heck, he launched a corner three in the Cleveland game that landed in Lake Michigan.

However, he does make breathtaking plays. He smacked a rebound away from Tacko Fall. He blocked a three in Zion-against-Virginia fashion. He’s a terrific alley-oop finisher. The upside is there.

Jackson should get playing time as a rookie. He’s too talented not to earn some spot minutes here and there. And I think he’ll get his chance.

In terms of his spot on the roster, Isaiah Jackson is certainly a reserve. Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner are staples in the frontcourt. But the backup situation is more unknown. TJ Warren is often utilized as a small-ball four, but he could be out for an extended period of time as he continues to recover from injury. Switchable forwards Oshae Brissett and Torrey Craig may occupy those minutes as Warren recovers.

It’s the backup center spot that’s wide open. Carlisle will likely opt to stagger playing time for Turner and Sabonis to keep one of them at the five most of the time. But off the bench, it’s disappointing first-rounder Goga Bitadze and Isaiah Jackson.

Given Indiana’s lack of depth at big, it’s reasonable that Jackson could earn minutes right away in a role that will ask him to focus on his strengths: rebounding, shot-blocking and dunking the basketball.

Here’s to a year (and perhaps a career) of highlight-reel-worthy plays from Kentucky’s highest 2021 draft pick.