In a devastating blow to the Indiana Pacers’ frontcourt depth, center Isaiah Jackson has suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, according to league sources. The 22-year-old rising star is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday to repair the injury sustained during Friday’s 125-118 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
A Promising Career Derailed
Jackson, a 2021 first-round draft pick, was in the midst of a breakout season with the Pacers. His athleticism, defensive prowess, and rapidly developing offensive game had made him a key piece of Indiana’s young core. Now, the promising center faces a long road to recovery.
The Fateful Play
The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Friday’s game against the Pelicans. Jackson landed awkwardly while attempting to block a shot by All-Star forward Brandon Ingram. He immediately crumpled to the floor in pain and had to be helped off the court by teammates and training staff.
It was a routine play, the kind he’s made a hundred times. But when he came down, you could just tell something was wrong. It’s heartbreaking.
– A Pacers teammate who witnessed the injury
Frontcourt in Flux
Jackson’s injury is the second major blow to the Pacers’ frontcourt this season. Just 10 days ago, center James Wiseman, acquired in an offseason trade, also suffered a torn Achilles. The loss of both young big men leaves Indiana precariously thin up front.
With Jackson and Wiseman out, the bulk of the center minutes will fall to veteran stalwart Myles Turner. While Turner is a proven commodity, the lack of depth behind him is a glaring issue that the Pacers will need to address.
The Road Ahead
For Jackson, the focus now shifts to his recovery and rehabilitation. Achilles injuries are notoriously difficult for basketball players to come back from, often sapping them of the explosiveness that made them special. But at just 22 years old, time is on Jackson’s side.
Isaiah is a fighter. He’s overcome obstacles his whole life to get to where he is. This is just another challenge for him to conquer. We’re going to be with him every step of the way.
– A source close to Jackson
As for the Pacers, they must now regroup and forge ahead without two of their most promising young players. The loss of Jackson and Wiseman is a significant setback, but this is a resilient franchise with a proven track record of developing talent.
In the short term, expect Indiana to be active on the trade market and in the buyout market, searching for frontcourt reinforcements. They may also look to their G League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, for potential call-ups.
But no matter what moves they make, there’s no replacing a talent like Isaiah Jackson. His injury is a harsh reminder of how fragile an NBA career can be and how quickly fortunes can change in this league.
For now, all the Pacers and their fans can do is wish Jackson a speedy recovery and hope that he can come back stronger than ever. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the future of this franchise just got a little bit murkier.
