Tag: Jarace walker

Mock trade sees Bulls flip Alex Caruso for 20-year-old and big man

In a recent mock trade, the Chicago Bulls would flip Alex Caruso to the Indiana Pacers for two young players.

The Chicago Bulls should pivot this summer. Instead of competing for a playoff spot, they should reset and plan for the future, adding young pieces next to Coby White. In a recent mock trade written by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, they would send Alex Caruso to the Indiana Pacers for 20-year-old forward Jarace Walker and big man Isaiah Jackson.

“The Pacers made a bold move to get Pascal Siakam in January, and it resulted in their first Eastern Conference Finals trip in a decade,” Buckley wrote. “Even if some will say injuries assisted in that run, the goal was to make noise in the playoffs, and they’ve generated plenty of it. So, does this fuel them toward more win-now activity in the offseason? Because if Siakam is sticking around—Indy’s willingness to give up three first-round picks for him indicates an obvious desire to keep him—Walker faces quite the obstacle to find meaningful minutes. And despite flashes of athletic interior activity, Jackson still can’t quite lock down a nightly rotation role, either.

“Would the Pacers consider flipping both for Caruso? It’s easy to argue they should. They need a pesky defensive presence like him on the perimeter, and his versatility extends to the offensive end, which means he can mesh with whomever head coach Rick Carlisle trots out. Caruso isn’t a star, but if Indiana is as close to contending as this postseason push has made it seem, he might be the sneaky-smart addition that gets this group over the proverbial hump.”

Bringing in two young players for Caruso could help the Bulls have a brighter tomorrow.

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Pacers coach Rick Carlisle explains how G League has helped Jarace Walker

Pacers rookie Jarace Walker has spent most of the season in the G League, and Rick Carlisle believes he has improved in that time.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker has spent most of the season in the G League, and coach Rick Carlisle believes that time has helped him become better on and off the court.

Walker is averaging 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals on 37.7% shooting from 3-point range in 19 games this season with the Indiana Mad Ants. He has registered three 30-point games, including a season-high 38 points, six rebounds and six assists on Dec. 29.

The organization believed it was important for Walker to be with the Mad Ants to receive consistent playing time. He has had the chance to develop and continue his transition to the next level.

Carlisle said that has been an important step.

(He has) never been in a situation where he wasn’t one of the main players, so that is a big adjustment. It is humbling, but it is a part of becoming a pro, and the steps that you need to take to learn about it, experience it and embrace things like playing with the G League team, going on extended trips with the G League team (to gain) the greatest appreciation for what it means to be on an NBA team and earn your way to being a contributor, regular rotation guy and maybe someday a starter.

Walker has logged only 23 appearances with the Pacers this season. However, Carlisle and the team have leaned on him more following the season-ending shoulder injury to second-year guard Bennedict Mathurin.

The team likes the physicality Walker can provide in spurts off the bench and will likely rely on him in different situations over the remainder of the season. They believe he is more ready to contribute and will remain in the NBA for the rest of the season.

Those minutes in the G League provided Walker with valuable experience, helping him learn the ropes and understand what it takes to be a rotation player in the league.

“There is no substitute for going through these experiences,” Carlisle said. “One of the real valuable aspects of the G League is that you get to see firsthand the difference between being with the NBA team and flying private and then traveling commercial into smaller cities with multiple connections, longer bus rides and no police escorts. You learn pretty quickly that it is special to be an NBA player. What you know and realize several years in, as opposed to what you knew when you walked in the door, is humbling.”

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Woj: Pacers determined not to include rookie Jarace Walker in any trade

The Pacers reportedly have very little desire to trade rookie Jarace Walker in any potential package ahead of the deadline on Feb. 8.

The Indiana Pacers reportedly have very little desire to include rookie Jarace Walker in any potential package ahead of the trade deadline on Feb. 8, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN on Threads.

The Pacers are expected to be active in trade conversations as the front office attempts to strengthen the roster to make a playoff push. They are viewed by some executives as the front-runners to land Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, according to The Athletic.

Though Siakam hasn’t asked to be traded, the two-time All-Star is the hottest name on the market. He is expected to ask for a maximum salary contract this summer, and there have been rumors the Raptors may not offer it to him, leading to some trade speculation.

The Pacers have several young players they could make available in trade conversations for Siakam or another established star. However, according to Wojnarowski, Walker isn’t expected to be among them, via Evan Sidery on X.

Never say never, but … I think the Pacers are very, very determined to NOT include Jarace Walker in any trade. Indiana is very high on him, as are other teams, of course.

Walker, the eighth pick last year, has spent the majority of the season in the G League with the Indiana Mad Ants. He has mostly played in mop-up duty with the Pacers after making 12 appearances, averaging 3.4 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists.

The 20-year-old is averaging 25.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 steals on 45.2% shooting from 3-point range in 10 games with the Mad Ants. He is one of 17 players in the G League this season with at least three 30-point games.

The Pacers view Walker as a key piece of their future and may hesitate to include him in any trade package. Of course, that stance could change as the trade deadline approaches next month.

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Pacers rookie Jarace Walker named to All-G League Showcase Team

Pacers rookie Jarace Walker was among five players named to the 2023 All-G League Showcase Team from his stint with the Indiana Mad Ants.

Indiana Pacers rookie Jarace Walker was among five players named to the 2023 All-G League Showcase team on Saturday from his stint with the Indiana Mad Ants.

All 31 teams participated in the G League Winter Showcase this week at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The Mad Ants were one of eight teams competing in the Showcase Cup for a grand prize of $100,000.

Walker led the Mad Ants to the championship game while averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and one steal in three appearances on 41.8% shooting from the field. However, the team came up short on Friday, falling to the Westchester Knicks, 107-99.

Walker has logged six appearances in the G League with playing time at a minimum with the Pacers. He has produced two 30-point games with the Mad Ants, including a season-high 31 points on Tuesday in a win over Capital City.

The opportunity to play with the Mad Ants, though much different than being in the NBA, has been valuable for Walker. He has played heavy minutes and is using the experience to improve his game.

“It is an adjustment, for sure, but I feel like that is just part of the league,” Walker told Rookie Wire. “There are going to be ups and downs. You honestly never know where they’re going to send you, so I’m just always staying ready.”

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Pacers’ Jarace Walker biding time in G League: ‘I’m just always staying ready’

Rookie Wire spoke with Jarace Walker about playing in the G League, waiting for his opportunity with the Pacers and more.

ORLANDO, Fla. — With playing time at a premium for the Indiana Pacers, rookie Jarace Walker has spent time in the G League with the Indiana Mad Ants to start the season.

He is making the most of those minutes.

Walker joined the Mad Ants for their stint in the Showcase Cup Tournament at the G League Winter Showcase. They are one of eight teams competing in the single-elimination competition for a grand prize of $100,000 at the Orange County Convention Center.

The eighth pick produced a season-high 31 points, six rebounds, two steals and one assist to lead the Mad Ants to a 113-102 win over the Capital City Go-Go. He went 11-of-20 from the field, including 6-of-10 from 3-point range, in 33 minutes.

The 20-year-old has registered two 30-point games in four appearances with the Mad Ants. He is one of 31 players with multiple 30-point games, averaging 27.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals on 48.1% shooting from 3-point range.

The opportunity to play with the Mad Ants comes as Walker has logged eight appearances with the Pacers. He had mostly played in mop-up duty, but recently saw a larger role, totaling 43 minutes in three games last week. He averaged 4.3 points and 1.7 rebounds over that span.

Playing time will likely continue to be sporadic for Walker this season as the Pacers fight for playoff position in the Eastern Conference. They have slipped in the standings after losing four straight, but are eighth with a 13-12 record.

Rookie Wire caught up with Walker on Tuesday to discuss playing in the G League, waiting for his opportunity with the Pacers, being teammates with Tyrese Haliburton and more.

Pacers’ Rick Carlisle on Jarace Walker: ‘He is a highly talented young player’

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle detailed how the team is helping rookie Jarace Walker transition to the NBA this season.

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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10 NBA rookies make predictions for their first game before the season begins

There are so many great answers from this NBA rookie class.

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After completing their first offseason, a new class of NBA rookies are ready to step on the court to make their professional debuts.

While nothing can compare with the special moment of hearing their name called in the NBA Draft, it is assuredly a surreal feeling to have your lifelong dreams realized on the hardwood.

We spoke to 10 rookies from the 2023 draft class about all of the emotions they anticipate feeling once they officially begin their professional careers as NBA athletes.

Here is what each prospect said about what they expect when they play on the parquet courts in front of thousands of fans.

These interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity.

Pacers’ Jarace Walker signs endorsement deal with Under Armour

Walker will join a talented roster at Under Armour, which includes athletes Stephen Curry and Kelsey Plum.

Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker has signed a multiyear shoe and apparel endorsement contract with Under Armour, the company announced on Thursday.

Walker becomes the latest rookie to sign with a brand ahead of the start of the season, joining Victor Wembanyama (Nike), Brandon Miller (Nike), Scoot Henderson (Puma), Jett Howard (Jordan) and Gradey Dick (Adidas).

The eighth pick will join a talented roster at Under Armour, which includes athletes Stephen Curry and Kelsey Plum. He previously played with Under Armour-sponsored teams on the AAU circuit and at the IMG Academy in Florida.

Walker is averaging 10 points, five rebounds, 2.3 assists and one block on 33.3% shooting from the field in three games with the Pacers this preseason. He produced a preseason-high 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals on Oct. 8.

The Pacers wrap up the preseason on Friday versus Cleveland.

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Pacers’ Jarace Walker was hilariously left to pay a nearly $9K dinner tab

Walker likely experienced the first of several rookie duties after recently picking up a Pacers dinner tab.

Rookies in the NBA, and across all sports, are often tasked with several duties throughout their first year as professional athletes, ranging from singing karaoke to wearing colorful backpacks.

Of course, there is also picking up expensive food tabs.

Indiana Pacers rookie Jarace Walker recently discovered the latter after going out to dinner with several of his teammates. Once the festivities were wrapped up, Walker was handed the tab, which came in at $8,685 for the entire group.

The eighth pick immediately had a panicked look on his face upon seeing the total. Then, the group started to give him a friendly ribbing after taking a look at the check. Fortunately, Tyrese Haliburton was there to document the experience on Instagram.

The team certainly welcomed Walker to Indianapolis with the first of likely several rookie duties this season. The veterans will come up with some unique tasks for him to complete this season, and, hopefully, continue to post them on social media for everyone to see.

Walker debuted with the Pacers in the NBA Summer League, averaging 14.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks on 34.3% shooting from the field. He scored in double figures three times, including a summer league-high 20 points and nine rebounds on July 12.

The Pacers open the preseason on Oct. 8 at Memphis.

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NBA 2K24: Ratings revealed for the first round of the 2023 NBA draft

The official player ratings and other features for NBA 2K24 have been unveiled as the popular video game hit stores on Friday.

The official player ratings and other features for NBA 2K24 have been unveiled as the popular video game hit stores on Friday across all platforms around the world.

The latest installment of NBA 2K features three distinct editions, each honoring Kobe Bryant. The game, for the first time, also allows for crossplay, meaning users on different gaming consoles can still play with their friends online.

In addition to many of the new features and updates unveiled in the game, fans are equally as excited to see the initial player ratings. Of course, with a new group of players set to enter the league, many are curious to see how the rookie class would be graded.

The franchise, led by marketing director Ronnie 2K, previously revealed the ratings for several first-rounders this year. With the game officially available for purchase around the world, the grades for each rookie have been unveiled.

Here are the ratings for the first round of the 2023 NBA draft.