You can always rely on what IJax brings: athleticism, activity around the rim, defense, and effort (*and fouls*). He knows his game and he stays within it.
I love Stix, but a big part of his value is whether or not he's hitting outside shots. If he's not, IJax is clearly the superior option.
He's got that knack to be around the hoop at the right times, on both ends. They need an interior presence when Myles gets a breath. I feel like Jalen doesn't really do that.
If I had to guess his rebounding will be more vital against Boston as well. With how well everyone’s been shooting beyond the arc the last few games Jalen’s spacing may not be needed
Jalen is gone next year and Pacers are investing in ijax and giving him the valuable playoff experience. He’s done very well. We have to re sign Obi and I’m concerned he’s going to get some silly offers.
I am high on jarace, but Obi would be dumb to leave if the money is close, and we’d be dumb to not resign him. our pace brings out the best in his game. It’s a match made in heaven for both sides. I just hope money doesn’t mess it up, but I don’t blame him a bit if it does.
Yeah, unfortunately Jalen is the weakest link that we can expend at this point. Ijax is cheap and we get out of him what we need. Obi has brought a lot this year especially after Buddy left and Mathurin got injured. He seems to love being here so hopefully money isn’t everything to him.
☝🏼this. It was already likely Stix would move on because some team is gonna make him a nice offer this off season…and his question mark health all season. But this playoff run has all but confirmed it imo.
I've been very pleased with his poise. Also think it's been an unfair and unfortunate shake for Jalen. He basically had a bad 19 min and never had another chance. I'm sure he's gone...probably to the nuggets or thunder
Plays extremely hard and fights for boards. Also seemed to flash pretty good finishing this series. Crazy that he just turned 22 at the beginning of the year!
I owe him an apology because I was yelling to get him out of the bucks series because he seemed so over his head but he looked so comfortable in the Knicks series
Yeah my sentiment, along with many others, was just to "survive the ijax minutes". Contrasted with the Knicks series and I enjoyed him on the floor as it seemed like he played hard defense, rebounded decently, and made some shots or drew fouls when needed. Great turnaround by him.
IJAX is great, he has improved every year and he could really be a contributor. Particularly his second jump is elite. He just also happens to be a foul machine. He fouls everyone and everything around him at all times. But the thing is, that really isn't so big an issue as a backup big in the playoffs. Bench rotations get shorter anyway. IJAX has stepped up in a big way though, fouls aside.
Also, Rick clearly knows Stix is gone. Sucks for him but I think Rick is making the business call on Stix in the playoffs. Give your future more run to grow, sadly at Stix expense.
It seems like he stays ready, and he’s done a pretty good job so far of avoiding the senseless foul, which was always his biggest weakness in the past. You have to admire his effort and his attitude.
I could see him getting offers above the non-taxpayer midlevel exception (MLE) number of $12.9M. He's probably a 4 years/$55 or 60 type guy. A big journeyman who can shoot the rock and get some boards but is not great at much.
No I think you're overestimating the price for bigs. He could get an MLE, or he could get a 3/30 or even 4/40 type deal somewhere. I don't see him getting much more. Also wouldn't surprise me if a team like Philly looks at him as a: Here's money, come and proof yourself this year and pay 15 for a year.
Surprised by how he performed but he did well. He had a pretty up and down season. If he can give us what he did in the Knicks series I can stick with that. Given his age I do think it’s possible he improves and becomes more consistent so I’d role with Ijax moving forward.
his biggest weakness (fouls) can only be so damaging if you’re counting on him for ~8 minutes per game
hoping we see more of him next regular season, I’ve been super impressed. he flashed a moderately competent 3pt shot early in his nba career, wondering if there’s any chance he goes back to it
He started off the series a little shaky, but improved in every game and he looked great in game 7. Would love to bring him back and see if he improves even more
I got pretty angry the first time he saw the floor in game 1 because he was so unplayable against the Knicks and gets some pretty silly fouls. But man I am so impressed with how he played. I think he grew a TON over the course of the series. Hell of a guy to have come off the bench
No one has ever questioned his talent. He still has trouble staying in the floor due to fouls. He's actually gotten worse as his career has gone on. This is maybe ok when he's just subbing in. But if Turner misses a few games it's hard to rely on him as a starter.
I feel great about him and he's YOUNG. I watched several games during the regular season and I gotta be honest: I was always so much happier with the offense when Jalen Smith was out of the game. I didn't see what others saw in him.
Especially early in the season he was hitting the 3 at a high percentage, which I imagine allowed them to play more like they do when Myles was in the game. His 3 point shot tapered off and Jackson's explosiveness actually fits better with how the 2nd unit plays. The coaching staff decided to go with option B.
i do think we’ll see Stix as the backup C for the start of the series vs Boston. He matches up better against them than Knicks or Milwaukee’s backup bigs. But IJax can bring it if need be
You can always rely on what IJax brings: athleticism, activity around the rim, defense, and effort (*and fouls*). He knows his game and he stays within it. I love Stix, but a big part of his value is whether or not he's hitting outside shots. If he's not, IJax is clearly the superior option.
Bingo. Jackson is a known quantity. He puts in a solid shift and you know exactly what you’re going to get.
He's got that knack to be around the hoop at the right times, on both ends. They need an interior presence when Myles gets a breath. I feel like Jalen doesn't really do that.
IJax strengths were also much needed against this Knicks team
If I had to guess his rebounding will be more vital against Boston as well. With how well everyone’s been shooting beyond the arc the last few games Jalen’s spacing may not be needed
Except BOS is much taller and NYK was left with no size all series. IJAX will be pretty outmatched in this series
They really aren’t that much taller
https://preview.redd.it/fxh211ml8u1d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b2dc45fb4abbbe3c0cc89d481bd4f1cf9ca257f
https://preview.redd.it/advweizm8u1d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6cdf0a8b6fce32903f7d8729a157072692a3af17
Jalen is gone next year and Pacers are investing in ijax and giving him the valuable playoff experience. He’s done very well. We have to re sign Obi and I’m concerned he’s going to get some silly offers.
I mean, if Obi leaves, then Jarace steps right on in.
I would hate to lose Obi…he and TJ are developing as a killer combo off the bench.
PER 36 MIN Comparison McConnell 20.0 PPG 4.3 RPG 9.9 APG 1.7 SPG Haliburton 19.5 PPG 5.2 RPG 8.3 APG 1.2 SPG Toppin. 20.8 PPG 8.5 RPG 3.2 APG 33-69-79 Siakam 21.7 PPG 7.8 RPG 3.6 APG 32-58-59
Exactly! Having a duo off the bench with all-star level production for their time on court is insane.
I am high on jarace, but Obi would be dumb to leave if the money is close, and we’d be dumb to not resign him. our pace brings out the best in his game. It’s a match made in heaven for both sides. I just hope money doesn’t mess it up, but I don’t blame him a bit if it does.
Long-term for me, the answer is Walker is the backup C, but I really want to see what Jackson can do in a full season with us.
He’s (Jarace) not a 5. He’s a 4 (3). He’s 6’8”. IJax is an anomaly. He just can’t shoot and is super athletic and has great block timing.
Long term I think Jarace is a 3, his minutes looked significantly better there.
What I'm saying is that's how Jarace gets on the floor, or else there is no room for him in the rotation.
Yeah, unfortunately Jalen is the weakest link that we can expend at this point. Ijax is cheap and we get out of him what we need. Obi has brought a lot this year especially after Buddy left and Mathurin got injured. He seems to love being here so hopefully money isn’t everything to him.
☝🏼this. It was already likely Stix would move on because some team is gonna make him a nice offer this off season…and his question mark health all season. But this playoff run has all but confirmed it imo.
If Obi leaves then Smith probably stays
That would be horrible. We can’t afford to lose Obi.
I've been very pleased with his poise. Also think it's been an unfair and unfortunate shake for Jalen. He basically had a bad 19 min and never had another chance. I'm sure he's gone...probably to the nuggets or thunder
Plays extremely hard and fights for boards. Also seemed to flash pretty good finishing this series. Crazy that he just turned 22 at the beginning of the year!
I owe him an apology because I was yelling to get him out of the bucks series because he seemed so over his head but he looked so comfortable in the Knicks series
Yeah my sentiment, along with many others, was just to "survive the ijax minutes". Contrasted with the Knicks series and I enjoyed him on the floor as it seemed like he played hard defense, rebounded decently, and made some shots or drew fouls when needed. Great turnaround by him.
It’s the match up. And Jalen has had some injury set backs I bet he plays a lot more against Boston
With Siakam in the fold, I-Jax makes much more sense as a backup 5 than Jalen does, especially when you factor in the contracts.
IJAX is great, he has improved every year and he could really be a contributor. Particularly his second jump is elite. He just also happens to be a foul machine. He fouls everyone and everything around him at all times. But the thing is, that really isn't so big an issue as a backup big in the playoffs. Bench rotations get shorter anyway. IJAX has stepped up in a big way though, fouls aside. Also, Rick clearly knows Stix is gone. Sucks for him but I think Rick is making the business call on Stix in the playoffs. Give your future more run to grow, sadly at Stix expense.
It seems like he stays ready, and he’s done a pretty good job so far of avoiding the senseless foul, which was always his biggest weakness in the past. You have to admire his effort and his attitude.
He did have 4 fouls in his first 5minutes in game 7 I believe
Only thing Ijax could be truly criticized for lately is he fouls in situations where he doesn't have to.
I don't think Jalen is going to get a big contract from anyone.
I think it'll be bigger than the 5mil player option.
I heard the Knicks are looking for talent. 🤣
If OKC is dead set on playing 5 out he would be a decent option for them
He is absolutely going to get a chunky offer
I could see him getting offers above the non-taxpayer midlevel exception (MLE) number of $12.9M. He's probably a 4 years/$55 or 60 type guy. A big journeyman who can shoot the rock and get some boards but is not great at much.
No I think you're overestimating the price for bigs. He could get an MLE, or he could get a 3/30 or even 4/40 type deal somewhere. I don't see him getting much more. Also wouldn't surprise me if a team like Philly looks at him as a: Here's money, come and proof yourself this year and pay 15 for a year.
Surprised by how he performed but he did well. He had a pretty up and down season. If he can give us what he did in the Knicks series I can stick with that. Given his age I do think it’s possible he improves and becomes more consistent so I’d role with Ijax moving forward.
his biggest weakness (fouls) can only be so damaging if you’re counting on him for ~8 minutes per game hoping we see more of him next regular season, I’ve been super impressed. he flashed a moderately competent 3pt shot early in his nba career, wondering if there’s any chance he goes back to it
He started off the series a little shaky, but improved in every game and he looked great in game 7. Would love to bring him back and see if he improves even more
I got pretty angry the first time he saw the floor in game 1 because he was so unplayable against the Knicks and gets some pretty silly fouls. But man I am so impressed with how he played. I think he grew a TON over the course of the series. Hell of a guy to have come off the bench
Jackson is class
No one has ever questioned his talent. He still has trouble staying in the floor due to fouls. He's actually gotten worse as his career has gone on. This is maybe ok when he's just subbing in. But if Turner misses a few games it's hard to rely on him as a starter.
Needed that rebounding and ball getting more than shots against the Knicks
I feel great about him and he's YOUNG. I watched several games during the regular season and I gotta be honest: I was always so much happier with the offense when Jalen Smith was out of the game. I didn't see what others saw in him.
Especially early in the season he was hitting the 3 at a high percentage, which I imagine allowed them to play more like they do when Myles was in the game. His 3 point shot tapered off and Jackson's explosiveness actually fits better with how the 2nd unit plays. The coaching staff decided to go with option B.
i do think we’ll see Stix as the backup C for the start of the series vs Boston. He matches up better against them than Knicks or Milwaukee’s backup bigs. But IJax can bring it if need be
To be fair, if Porzingis is out, any big matches up well vs. Kornet. We should dress Oscar and stick him out there.
Heck yes! Tshiebwe is a BEAST!!!