“ He has impressed me since day one. His patience is something quite rare, you don't see many rookies like that. » The words are by Myles Turner and concern Jarace Walkerwho must indeed show patience for his first year in the Big League.
Despite his status as the 8th pick in the last Draft, the Pacers power forward is currently blocked in the rotation by Obi Toppin and Jalen Smith. After 40 games played by Indiana, the 20-year-old made only 13 appearances, mainly during garbage time, for minimal performance (4 points in 10 minutes on average).
“ It's clearly an adjustment. Everyone sets high expectations for themselves, but being able to keep your head down and work is key. I continue to work, be hungry and be consistent in my work. You have to let things happen “, puts the interior into perspectivemuch more in demand in the G-League where he averages 24 points with a great appetite for the 3-point shot (50% success with eight attempts per match!).
Great appetite for 3-point shooting
“ I just try to let the game come to me, take open shots when I'm open and make the right choices on offense », summarizes the player released from Houston, recently author of a 38-unit match. His performances earned him a call-up to the next level by the Pacers.
Jarace Walker, who says he loves sharing leather, was able to repress an NBA floor two days ago during the Pacers' trip to Utah. A complete “blowout” which allowed him to benefit from his longest playing time since the start of the year: 26 minutes. Enough to accumulate 8 points (3/11 on shots), 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 interceptions.
“ Jarace has special abilities. He showed a lot tonight: his vision, his creation. He shoots well in the G-League. He was absent for a few days due to illness and joined us late in the trip, so all things considered, I think he did a good job “, greeted Rick Carlisle.
Fans' expectations
Myles Turner, who seemed truly charmed, emphasized his “ sense of the game. He knows when to pass, when to cut, when to involve others. The rookies want to come in and score. Mark, mark, mark, mark. Someone like him, who is competitive on defense and can get others involved, will earn minutes that way. It's obviously difficult for him to arrive on a team that is fighting for the playoffs and that has older players in front of him. »
“ He hasn't played much, it's not his fault. He's still learning the game », notes for his part Buddy Hield, trying to keep Pacers fans waiting who would be tempted to see more of him at work. A “noise” of which Rick Carlisle is well aware.
“ He begins to develop a mindset around important habits to be a consistent NBA contributor. I know there is a lot of interest in seeing him play and I made him understand that he has to be ready. I don't know exactly when, where or anything », warns the coach. Patience again for Jarace Walker.
| Jarace Walker | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | IND | 13 | 10 | 40.0 | 36.8 | 85.7 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 3.8 |
| Total | 13 | 10 | 40.0 | 36.8 | 85.7 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 3.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
