Against the New Orleans Pelicans, Indiana Pacers reserve power forward/center Isaiah Jackson suffered a frightening, non-contact injury that was eerily similar to what happened to teammate James Wiseman earlier this season. Head coach Rick Carlisle appeared to fear the worst in his postgame presser following the Pelicans’ 125-118 win Friday night.

Losing Jackson and Wiseman consecutively could spell disaster for the team’s depth. Now, it looks like reserve big man Jalen Smith, who can score both face-up shots around the basket and from deep, as well as being a solid rebounder, will be allowed to leave for the Central Division rivals Chicago Bulls for a three-year, $27 million deal. The free agent signing was a big mistake.

Read more: Rick Carlisle Unsure of Severity of Isaiah Jackson’s Injury

Now this seems to be true.

Sources inform Shams Charania of ESPN It was stated that Jackson ruptured his right Achilles tendon and will be out of the field for the rest of the season. He will undergo surgery to correct his condition on Monday.

In what would now be his final game of the year, Jackson had made an encouraging start before dropping out for good. The 6-foot-10 pro scored six points on 3-of-3 shooting from the field, grabbed eight rebounds and scored a dime in 15:35.

The 22-year-old former Wildcat finished his season averaging 7.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 1.0 assists and 0.6 steals on 60.9 percent shooting and 50 percent shooting from the foul line.

Jackson was selected 22nd overall from Kentucky in the 2021 NBA Draft and has spent all four of his professional seasons so far with the Pacers. The player, who is in the final season of his rookie contract, will hit restricted free agency this summer. With his health now a big question mark, one wonders whether Indiana (or anyone else) would be interested in investing long-term money in Jackson.

It’s gotten to the point where the Pacers are running out of healthy bodies after five Myles Turners. The versatile 3-and-D vet is a unique weapon in the modern NBA, but Indiana will now have to get creative to accommodate his absence. Presumably, reserve power forward Obi Toppin will be assigned to prepare for five minutes of little ball; Starting power forward Pascal Siakam can also serve as an undersized center with a fast break in some matchups.

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