Jarace Walker, forward for the Pacers, experienced a season marked by ' variations' in his second stint.
INDIANAPOLIS — The NBA's main X site posted a new item at 8:13 p.m. Eastern Time on December 22, featuring an impressive play from an unexpected pair. Indiana Pacers young forward Jarace Walker, playing in his 62nd NBA game, found himself surrounded by multiple Sacramento Kings defenders. With quick thinking, he flicked the ball off the backboard from around 20-feet away and jumped to catch it as it bounced back toward the free throw line. Still airborne, Walker caught his original pass and tossed it to new Pacers center Thomas Bryant in the corner — and Bryant drained a three to put Indiana up by 30 points.
The incredible moment marked one of the high points of the season for the Pacers, who were showcasing their best team performance. “It was all instinct. I didn’t plan it,” Walker said after the game. He read the rotating help defender amidst the air. “It just kind of happened in the moment.”
This sequence was a highlight of Walker's season, his second in the NBA. He was the eighth overall pick in the 2023 draft by Indiana and has been earning consistent playing time this season. His campaign has been marked by numerous ups and downs.
How has Jarace Walker's second season panned out for the Pacers?
At his best, Walker has been a pivotal wing player. Against the Orlando Magic in November, for example, the young forward scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds without missing a single shot in a close Pacers win. Less than a week later, he had 11 points, seven rebounds, and four assists against the Miami Heat. Walker has delivered several such impressive outings this season, demonstrating progress and offering the blue and gold something few other team members can deliver with his defense, size, and broad impact.
There have also been challenging days for Walker. His passes have been inconsistent this season, while his defense is not always as strong as other nights, and physicality has been a focus. Although his jumper has improved, defenses still don't show respect for it yet. When these struggles coincide, Walker has a subpar performance.
His season has been a rollercoaster ride between the peaks and valleys. “Definitely I’m less cautious. Trying to play how I want,” Walker said of his evolution since the start of the season and his goal to be more assertive. “I’m still figuring it out. There’s a lot of ups and downs that come with a season. I’m definitely learning a lot.”
Before the start of his second year, the Pacers had hoped to move Walker to the three-spot. The idea was that he would no longer be a forward, making it easier to find him playing time in the short term and expanding his role options in the future.
Moving down the position requires some adjustments. Walker needs to be more agile on the perimeter to consistently defend wings and adopt a more physical style of play. During the offseason, the Pacers emphasized the importance of hard-hitting and grabbing boards from Walker.
“Highlight games are great — always scoring and rebounding,” Walker said. “But low points involve smaller scoring games and fewer rebounds. The ebbs and flows of good and bad games will happen, but finding ways to impact games one after another is the goal.”
On offense, shifting positions as a wing rather than a tweener means that several aspects become more crucial. Shooting is vital for anyone in the NBA today, but passing, screening, and cutting are all essential skills for anyone on the Pacers. Walker’s unique skillset is substantial, but he has a lot to develop to become the player the Pacers envision for him in the NBA.
A talented player going through so much change and adjusting to elevated expectations should expect ups and downs. Walker has been no exception. Finding consistency and reaching even higher peaks belongs to the 21-year-old's mission for the remainder of the season.
“It has been an enlightening experience for him. He’s learning a lot. The ups and downs for a player just beginning their rotation are numerous. One of the things I have truly admired is his ability to bounce back and effectively move on to the next play,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of Walker’s growth this season. “How many players of his generation grasp the importance of simplicity?”
Walker prioritizes simplicity every night. He plays well when he keeps the game uncomplicated. Some nights, even when statistics don’t indicate it, his reads are crisp, and his fit is clear. He excels in defending Brandon Ingram, Cade Cunningham, or Franz Wagner. He adds value, an essential distinction for a second-year player.
But there have been nights when passes don't connect and defense isn't up to par. His turnover rate of 19.6% ranks among Pacers rotation players as one of the highest, and his focus on the less glamorous end of the floor isn't always there. Although he no longer displays an erratic habit of attempting steals, he still isn't an ideal defensive player. Despite his impressive defensive capabilities against some of the league’s elite, he continues to develop as a stopper.
According to Walker, the distinction between his strong and weak performances boils down to his attitude. Like numerous other athletes, he's hunting for consistency. Apart from that, it's all about the dedication and vigor he brings each day.
He showcases these qualities in his top-notch games. For instance, when Walker directed Indiana to victory against the Magic in mid-November, he dealt with guards, forwards, centers, scorers, and shooters throughout the game. Despite the diverse opposition, he defended commendably while leading the Pacers in made field goals and steals. His rebounding was noteworthy as well.
As Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin put it that night, "He's come a long way." Mathurin often sees Walker in the gym, constantly working and improving. Mathurin noted, "He's been [working]. Every time I go to the gym he’s over there... he’s come a long way, and he also has a long way to go."
Star guard Tyrese Haliburton concurred. "Defensively, he was really good. I think he has a ton of upside on that end... that’s where he can be really good for us."
However, those exceptional performances haven't been the norm yet. In Houston last month, Walker missed all five of his field goal attempts and committed four turnovers and four fouls. He had a similarly poor game in Toronto earlier this month with no made shots, three turnovers, and fouls. He also struggled against Boston in October. Those were challenging matches with baffling moments. Against the Celtics, he only played for less than 10 minutes and didn't appear in the fourth quarter or overtime.
Clearly, Walker still has room for advancement and consistency. Everyone is in pursuit of stability, especially at his level of experience - the young forward has only played in 65 NBA games. He's still under 1,000 professional minutes and has certain games where he plays more frequently than others.
"I feel like it's coming down to overall confidence and comfortability." Walker commented on his season performance. "Just getting those reps day in and day out."
Carlisle added, "The learning is a constant." As Walker seeks consistent success with the Pacers, he's learning as he goes. The next stages of his career will involve applying these teachings every time he steps onto the court.
Jarace Walker's impressive play from the NBA draft in 2023 has been a valuable asset for the Indiana Pacers, as demonstrated by his performance against the Orlando Magic earlier in the season. Despite some struggles, the young forward has shown significant progress and has been a consistent contributor, particularly on defense.
During the NBA draft, the Pacers selected Jarace Walker as the eighth overall pick, and he has since solidified his role as a key player for the team. His versatility on the court and ability to adjust to new positions are key factors in his development as a NBA player.
