Quenton Jackson Steps Up for Pacers Amid Injuries

INDIANAPOLIS — Quenton Jackson began the season on a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers, a situation that reflected his previous professional experience in the G League. Over the course of his first two NBA seasons, Jackson had made just 12 appearances, logging a total of 146 minutes on the floor, with no starts to his name. Yet, barely a month into his third NBA season, Jackson’s role has evolved dramatically. The 26-year-old guard has not only become a starter for the Pacers but has played an instrumental part in the team’s lineup despite the challenges of the season.

Jackson’s journey has been one of rapid growth. With key players such as Ben Sheppard, Aaron Nesmith, and Andrew Nembhard sidelined due to injuries, Jackson has been thrust into the starting five. He’s started five consecutive games, accumulating nearly 135 minutes during these appearances alone. In total, he’s already surpassed 200 minutes of playing time this season, which is a significant increase over his previous seasons. Despite this increased responsibility, Jackson has performed admirably, delivering solid defense and efficient offense in a role unfamiliar to him.

“I rock with his passion and his energy, man. I think he does things the right way,” said Pacers center Myles Turner, praising Jackson’s impact both on and off the court. Jackson’s personality has made him a fan favorite in the locker room, and his hard work and dedication have made him an indispensable part of the team. “He was able to come to this league and really make a difference. He worked his way up,” Turner continued.

Jackson’s rise has come at a time when the Pacers have needed someone to step up. Although he has been known for his ability to handle the ball and create plays, this season, Jackson has adapted to a more defined role. As the fifth option in the starting lineup, he has focused on defense, finishing plays when opportunities arise, and contributing in ways that don’t require a heavy offensive load. This adjustment has been a significant shift for Jackson, who was accustomed to being more involved in play creation, especially in the G League and in his brief time with the Washington Wizards. In fact, Jackson’s usage rate during his career has typically hovered between 18-22%, a stark contrast to the 16.2% he’s currently averaging with the Pacers.

Nevertheless, Jackson has embraced his new role, thriving in the absence of the team’s regular starters. His work ethic and competitive spirit have been key factors in his success thus far. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle praised Jackson’s ability to fit into the team’s system, noting, “What we’ve asked him to do is to play his game within our system. And the first thing you notice about him is just how hard he goes. He’s a combative defender. He’s a rim attacker. He’s going to bring intensity and competitiveness to the game.”

Jackson’s contributions this season have been undeniable. In his 12 games, he’s averaging 7.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. But as a starter, those numbers rise to 10.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, highlighting his increased role and effectiveness. His shooting efficiency has been impressive, with Jackson making 52.4% of his field goals and hitting 36.8% of his three-point attempts. His ability to finish strong at the rim and play within the flow of the offense has made him a valuable asset to the Pacers.

Despite the pressure of his new responsibilities, Jackson remains grounded. “I feel good… it’s kind of something you dream of,” Jackson said about stepping into a starting role and contributing to the team’s success. “For me coming in, I don’t want to do too much.” Jackson’s calm and composed approach has paid off as he continues to make his mark, particularly in the face of the team’s injury troubles. His teammates have encouraged him to take more shots, trusting him to step up when needed.

On defense, Jackson has been just as impactful. Known for his athleticism and tenacity, he’s been tasked with defending some of the NBA’s top players. In recent weeks, he’s faced off against stars like Damian Lillard, LaMelo Ball, Jalen Green, Anfernee Simons, and CJ McCollum, and the results have been promising. According to NBA.com matchup data, Jackson limited Green, Lillard, and Ball to shooting under 35% when he was guarding them. His relentless defense and ability to disrupt opposing players have made him a key contributor on the Pacers’ defensive end.

“A lot of tough tasks. Just trying to stay solid,” Jackson said of his defensive assignments. “Forcing everything over the screens and just kind of being a pest out there. Aggravating whoever the ball handler is. Just giving my full effort and energy out there.”

As a result, Jackson’s net rating while on the court has been notably positive, with the Pacers boasting a +1.2 net rating when he’s on the floor, compared to a -3.34 net rating when he’s off the court. His efficient shooting and fierce defense have proven crucial, especially as the Pacers battle injuries and try to stay competitive. His efforts have helped boost the team’s performance despite its shorthanded roster.

As the Pacers look ahead to a healthier lineup, Jackson’s role will likely change. However, the impact he’s made thus far cannot be overstated. His rapid development into a reliable starter and two-way player has been a pleasant surprise for the Pacers, and he’ll remain a key piece of their rotation for as long as the injuries persist. In a season marked by adversity, Quenton Jackson has truly stepped up when the Pacers needed him most.