Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle on Monday detailed how the organization is helping rookie Jarace Walker transition to the NBA this season.
The team drafted Walker eighth after a strong freshman year at Houston. He was highly touted for his overall versatility and ability to defend multiple positions at a high level. He has flashed those traits early and offered a glimpse of what he can provide nightly.
He just wrapped up a solid preseason run with the Pacers, averaging 8.8 points, five rebounds and two assists on 36.1% shooting from the field in four games. He finished with a preseason-high 19 points and nine rebounds on Oct. 8.
Carlisle explained how the team is helping Walker thus far.
Each rookie situation is going to be a little different. Jarace is 20, and so guys in his situation oftentimes have things to learn. They have adjustments to make. Sometimes, their position changes a little bit. … I don’t see this as an ease-in situation, but we’re working with him every day, showing him film every day, showing him film of practice, showing him film of games, the intrasquad scrimmage. He is working individually with the coaches. He is a highly talented young player that is going to be a terrific player for us and in this league.
When projecting his role this year, it appears Walker will see limited playing time when the Pacers tip off the regular season on Wednesday versus Washington. The team has a few players ahead of him and believes he will need development.
The Pacers, Carlisle said, have experimented with Walker playing at the three position recently in practice. The experience will help Walker play against different competition and eventually give the Pacers more versatility on the court.
Certainly, the Pacers believe Walker has a bright future and can help them on the court. It may take some time before he plays a large role, but the team is helping him reach that level.
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