Jarace Walker is built like a linebacker and is a near-perfect fit with the Indiana Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan sat on a stage in the St Vincent Center introducing his team's two 2023 first-round draft picks on Friday. Two seats to his right was Jarace Walker, who the Pacers selected eighth overall in the draft.
If any one thing stood out most about the scene, it was Walker's imposing frame. Buchanan played college basketball at Simpson college, and the other two Pacers' members on the stage — first-round pick Ben Sheppard and head coach Rick Carlisle — both have pro basketball experience. But Walker's shoulders and size still made him look huge compared to the others, and that's exactly what the Pacers need on their team.
"He played some point guard in high school, but he looks like a linebacker," Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan said Friday. "Very attracted to what he can bring to our group."
The Pacers have been searching for a defensive-minded, bruising forward for a while now. In the years since Thaddeus Young left the Pacers to sign with the Chicago Bulls during the 2019 free agency period, Indiana has lacked at the four spot. They've tried Domantas Sabonis, Justin Holiday, Jalen Smith, and Aaron Nesmith in the role, but none of them filled it perfectly.
Truly, that's because those players are all better suited to play other roles. Walker, meanwhile, is a natural four-man. He will fit right in with his new team. They need depth at his best position.
"I feel like just what I bring to the table is exactly what this team was missing," Walker said on Friday. "That extra defender, extra rebounder, extra playmaker, shot creator. Just somebody that brings a little bit of everything to the table."
Walker was listed by the University of Houston as six-foot-eight-inches tall and 240 pounds. For reference, Sabonis — an All-NBA center who is a few inches taller — is the same weight. Walker is bulky, in a good way. He can be a force.
He averaged 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for the Cougars this past season. His defensive numbers, particularly his block and steal rates, were both impressive and a solid reflection of his strengths. The 19-year old knocked down 46.5% of his shots and 34.7% of his threes.
"A couple of goals that we had were adding some more talent and character," Buchanan shared. "We wanted to improve our team defensively I think was a big priority for us moving forward," he added, noting that the team was interested in bringing in versatile players.
Walker used to play lead ball handler at IMG Academy, and that was appealing to the blue and gold. While he will be off the ball much more with the Pacers, the fact that he has upside as a shot creator and passer only adds to his value on the high-paced team. His defense will fill a need. His offense will be a bonus.
"I think our defense last year was an area that we wanted to really address and improve. Jarace is a player that we feel can guard multiple players, multiple positions. Very defensive minded," Buchanan said. "As we got to know him in the pre-draft process, I think that's where he views himself, as a defender first. Which is a great trait for what our team needs."
The Pacers have been interested in Walker since before the most recent NBA season started. They liked what they saw from him in high school and kept an eye on him at Houston. Then, at his pre-draft workout, they were impressed with his competitive juices. For a while now, the Baltimore native has been appealing to Indiana.
Walker said he, too, felt great about that workout. He felt as if the vibes were great and that he really hit it off with the team.
The Pacers new forward had many moments with head coach Rick Carlisle. Some of them were during a car ride. Others were during a tour of Indiana's facilities. Of course, they worked together on the hardwood, but it was the moments outside of the gym that allowed Walker to connect with the franchise.
"Honestly, just the vibes. The conversations we were having, just walking around the facility... driving around listening to jazz," Walker said of what stood out to him about his visit to the Circle City. "The connection kind of built, and in such little time, I felt like it was the right city, right place for me."
As a lottery pick, there will be some expectations for Walker this coming season. Chris Duarte (28.0 minutes per game as a rookie), Bennedict Mathurin (28.5), and Andrew Nembhard (27.6) have all played in sizable roles as first-year players since Carlisle took over again in Indiana. Walker could have similar minutes coming his way.
Maybe it's as a reserve, or perhaps as a starter. That could depend on what happens in free agency for the blue and gold. Either way, Walker and his defense should be a contributor for the Pacers in the 2023-24 campaign.
"A couple hours ago, I got a text message from Chad saying that Jarace would like to work out after the press conference today'," Carlisle said. "This is the kind of players that we're adding to this organization. Guys that love the game, that play the game with a pure heart and an infectious spirit, and that are versatile."
Carlisle likes that Walker, as well as fellow first-round pick Ben Sheppard, can be playmakers. That should add to the potency of the Pacers on the offensive end this coming season and beyond. They will have no problem creating good shots.
But the addition of Jarace Walker will give the Indiana Pacers size, toughness, and defense at the power forward spot for years to come. That's exactly what the team has needed for nearly a half-decade now.
"He looks like this big, rugged tough guy on the court, which is what we want," Buchanan said of Walker. The Pacers finally have their four man.
- Indiana Pacers are 'excited' with what they have in first round picks Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard. CLICK HERE.
- One-on-one with Indiana Pacers first-round pick Ben Sheppard. CLICK HERE.
- Source: Indiana Pacers receive two second round draft picks in draft-night trade with Washington Wizards. CLICK HERE.
- Sources: Indiana Pacers to sign Oscar Tshiebwe to two-way contract. CLICK HERE.
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