The Pacers have made significant moves regarding their roster for the upcoming season. They have confirmed the fourth-year options for their young wings, Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard. This decision reflects the team’s commitment to nurture and develop its rookie talent.
Details on Contract Extensions
Jarace Walker is set to earn $6.67 million this current season, with a projected salary of $8.48 million in his fourth year. In contrast, Ben Sheppard will receive $2.79 million this season and $5.03 million next year, according to Spotrac.com.
Draft Picks Overview
- Jarace Walker: Selected 8th overall from Houston.
- Ben Sheppard: Selected 26th overall from Belmont.
Player Performance and Development
Walker, a 6-foot-7, 235-pound forward, has faced challenges in securing a consistent role. The addition of veteran players like Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin has complicated his chances of playing time. Nonetheless, Walker has focused on enhancing his perimeter skills to adapt to the small forward position.
During his rookie season, Walker averaged 6.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in about 16 minutes per game off the bench. As he enters the upcoming season, he is expected to serve as the second-unit small forward.
Ben Sheppard’s Impact
Sheppard, although a less prominent pick, has garnered attention for his energy and adaptability within the team framework. He had limited playing time early in his rookie season but eventually secured a spot in the second unit, especially following an injury to teammate Bennedict Mathurin.
In his first season, Sheppard averaged 5.3 points per game and played a crucial role in the playoffs, where his scoring average was 3.2 points per game. Notably, he demonstrated impressive shooting accuracy, hitting 39.5% from beyond the arc in playoff games and 47.1% overall from the field.
Conclusion
By securing the fourth-year options on Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard, the Pacers are investing in their future. Both players have shown potential for growth and could play critical roles in the team’s success moving forward.
