Isaiah Jackson's Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Pacers Roster

The Indiana Pacers added a high-upside talent with the No. 22 pick of the 2021 NBA draft, selecting Kentucky forward Isaiah Jackson. 

Even though the Los Angeles Lakers made the pick, it was traded to the Washington Wizards earlier in the day. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Wizards will acquire the No. 22 pick, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell from the Lakers for Russell Westbrook. 

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Wizards agreed to deal the 22nd pick to the Pacers for the No. 31 pick and Aaron Holiday.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Isaiah Jackson

Position: PF/Center

Height: 6'10"

Pro Comparison: Nic Claxton

Scouting Report: Even without a great deal of skill, Jackson figures to carve out a role just by running the floor, catching lobs and blocking shots.

Pacers Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Malcolm Brogdon, PG: $21.3M (2023)

Myler Turner, C: $20M (2023)

Domantas Sabonis, PF: $18.7M (2024)

Caris LeVert, SG: $17.5M (2023)

T.J. Warren, SF: $11.8M (2022)

Jeremy Lamb, SG: $10.5M (2022)

Justin Holiday, SF: $6M (2023)

Chris Duarte, SG: $3.03M (2025)

Goga Bitadze, C: $3M (2023)

Edmond Sumner, PG: $2.3M (Team option)

Isaiah Jackson, F: $1.983 (2025)

Kelan Martin, SF: $1.6M (2022)

Oshae Brissett, SF: $1.2M (2023)

Free Agents

Doug McDermott, SF: UFA

T.J. McConnell, PG: UFA

JaKarr Sampson, SF: UFA

Cassius Stanley, SG: RFA

Jackson produced modest offensive numbers during his lone season at Kentucky, averaging 8.4 points while taking just 5.5 field-goal attempts per game. He still led the team in win shares, per Sports Reference, thanks mostly to his work on the defensive end.

The forward averaged 2.6 blocks per game and was named to both the SEC All-Defense and All-Freshman teams. His skill set should help him thrive at the next level, even if he wasn't able to lead the Wildcats to any success in 2020-21.

Jackson will join Chris Duarte as the Pacers top two rookies in 2021-22. His size and defensive aptitude in the paint will come in handy for an Indiana team that ranked 13th in defensive rating and 25th in points allowed per game last season.