The Indiana Pacers are entering a pivotal phase as they prepare for the new season without Myles Turner, who has joined the Milwaukee Bucks on a four-year contract. Turner’s exit, marking the loss of a key shot-blocker and three-point threat, leaves the Pacers rethinking their center position and overall team structure. The focus now shifts to Isaiah Jackson Pacers center leadership as the coaching staff embraces an alternative approach to fill that gap.

Minimal Offseason Changes Reflect Focus on Team Cohesion

Rather than pursuing a high-profile center to replace Turner, Indiana opted for stability, re-signing James Wiseman and acquiring Jay Huff in a trade. These moves do not reach the level of a blockbuster signing, which signals the team’s intent to rely on developing internal options. The Pacers aim to blend their existing frontcourt talent rather than depending on a single dominant figure to anchor the position.

Center-by-Committee: A New Strategy for Indiana

General Manager Chad Buchanan highlighted their plan to address Turner’s departure through a shared center role. He explained,

“We had kind of contingencies, one of them being for if we do lose Myles for whatever reason.”

—Chad Buchanan, General Manager

This approach equips multiple players to handle the duties traditionally assigned to one center, reflecting the Pacers’ preference for teamwork over individual reliance. Though unconventional, the center-by-committee strategy aims to maintain balance and flexibility across the roster throughout the season.

Isaiah Jackson Emerges as the Leading Candidate at Center

Isaiah Jackson stands out as the primary candidate to assume the starting center role. Buchanan pointed to Jackson’s continued growth over recent years, highlighting his athleticism and defensive abilities. Unlike Turner, who combined shot-blocking with perimeter shooting, Jackson is more of a rim-runner, focusing on paint defense and inside scoring but lacking outside shooting range.

Offensive Adjustments Required to Fit Jackson’s Style

Integrating Jackson’s playstyle brings challenges for the Pacers’ offensive scheme, which has traditionally relied on a fast tempo and spacing created by a shooting center. Without Turner’s ability to stretch the floor, Indiana must explore new ways to maintain perimeter threats from their five position. The team’s success this season will depend heavily on adapting their tactics to leverage Jackson’s strengths while compensating for the loss of Turner’s outside shooting.

The Path Forward: Embracing Change and Building Together

This upcoming season will test the Pacers’ ability to adjust to significant lineup changes under their new center strategy. Isaiah Jackson’s leadership in this role will be crucial as the team strives to develop chemistry and overcome the challenge of replacing a once dominant presence in the paint. Indiana’s commitment to a collective approach signals a fresh start, with the potential to redefine their identity as they move forward.