Even the greatest pivots, in terms of size or talent, are thwarted in their careers. Even by those smaller than them, and we remember that the tiny Nate Robinson or Spud Webb were capable of covering players to whom they were 30, even 40 centimeters tall. Isaiah Jackson does not measure 1m70, but 2m06, and he signed one of the most beautiful blocks of this start of the season since he allowed himself to tape a dunk attempt of Victor Wembanyama (2m23)!
A counter that came full circle on Tuesday, and the young Pacers interior recounts his “exploit”. For him, this is not a feat since it is his role to protect the circle.
“It happened so quickly! » he recognizes. “It’s something I’m used to doing: blocking shots. But he’s a great player, very athletic. I felt like I just jumped and got the ball. Since I had seen highlights and things like that, I knew he was going to try to dunk. I just jumped in and got it.”
Rick Carlisle impressed!
Isaiah Jackson is not the first to counter Victor Wembanyama, since the French phenomenon has already suffered three counters since the start of the season. But for the young interior, this counter counts a lot because he is barred by Jalen Smith, as Myles Turner’s understudy. A Smith who also asserts himself as one of the best interior replacements in the NBA with his 11.2 points and 6.2 rebounds in just 16 minutes.
But Rick Carlisle wants to highlight the work of Isaiah Jackson, who is entering his 3rd year. Against the Spurs, he scored 7 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks in 15 minutes.
“What he did Monday night was one of the most impressive things I’ve seen.”says the Indiana coach. “I’m not just talking about that counter on Victor. I’m talking about the way he stays ready, the way he works by coming in even on off days, and keeping that mentality. Twice this season we had foul problems with our two pivots in the first half. He came in against Washington and did a good job, and last night he was great. He was great. It was perfect “.
The Pacers believe in him
Even if it is difficult to gain playing time behind the Turner-Smith pair, Isaiah Jackson can console himself by saying that he has the confidence of his leaders since they have already guaranteed his season for next season, at 4.4 millions of dollars.
“It means a lot. In Indiana, they believe in me” he reassures himself. “They have the same goal as me, which is to improve. They know I’m young and I still have a lot to work on, but they also know I can come in and impact the game like few people can, just being a threat on the lobbed passes and being present defensively.”
