Jarace Walker is getting a spotlight that fits the kind of leap Indiana wants from him.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz pegged Walker as the Pacers’ top breakout candidate for the 2026-27 season, pointing to a bigger role last year and the way that opportunity could carry over into an even stronger campaign.
“Walker saw a larger opportunity last year due to the number of injuries on the Indiana Pacers. That should set him up for a career year in 2026-27.
The 23-year-old forward saw a bump in both rebound and assist percentage in Year 3 while averaging a career-high 11.6 points per game. Walker has been a consistent outside shooter (38.6 percent) who can play either forward position.
“Having a healthy Tyrese Haliburton back should help get Walker even more quality looks. Fellow forward Obi Toppin could be a trade candidate, as moving his $15 million contract could help the Pacers get out of the luxury tax.”
Walker logged 76 games for Indiana last season and turned in his best scoring year yet, finishing with 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He shot 41.9% from the field, 37.4% from 3-point range and 74.9% at the line.
Since joining the Pacers in the 2023-24 season, Walker has put up career averages of 8.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
He is expected to return to a bench role next season, with head coach Rick Carlisle widely expected to start Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac.
Indiana’s trajectory only adds to the intrigue. The Pacers reached the NBA Finals in 2025 and were one win away from the title. The source of that near-miss was spelled out plainly: they might have beaten the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 had Halliburton not torn his Achilles, and Indiana was leading when he got hurt in OKC.
The Pacers open the 2026-27 regular season on October 21 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
In Other News...
Pacers Could Exploit Portlands Roster Crunch For A Needed Upgrade
Portlands trade for Ja Morant has created a logjam that could force the Trail Blazers to make some uncomfortable choices with the rest of their roster. With multiple players now fighting for limited minutes, the Blazers may have to look at ways to rebalance the rotation, and that kind of squeeze often opens the door to deals involving veterans and younger pieces alike. For a Pacers team always looking for ways to tighten the edges of its roster, that is the sort of situation worth watching.
Indiana has needs of its own, and Portlands crunch could put some appealing names within reach. Jrue Holiday, Vit Kreji and other pieces could become part of the conversation if the Blazers decide they need more clarity in their lineup, while the Pacers would also be keeping an eye on larger swings involving Toumani Camara, Shaedon Sharpe or Scoot Henderson. Nothing is settled yet, but the overlap between Portlands surplus and Indianas needs makes this one of those trade lanes that can shift quickly if the Blazers decide to act. [Read more 🡒]
Pascal Siakam Faces A Bigger Pacers Question Than Any Ranking
Pascal Siakams place in the league conversation still looks sturdy, even if the broader Pacers outlook is shifting around him. HoopsHype ranked him No. 8 among NBA power forwards heading into the 2026-27 season, a nod to the blend of scoring, size and versatility he brought to Indiana after producing 24 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game last season.
The more interesting Pacers question is how that production looks once Tyrese Haliburton is back in the mix and the offense regains its usual shape. Siakams game has always fit best when he can attack from different spots and punish mismatches, but the return of another high-end creator changes the balance of touches, reads and late-game responsibility in a way Indiana will have to sort out quickly. [Read more 🡒]
Pacers Just Got Dragged Into A Truly Weird Hawks Gameday Stunt
The Pacers are walking into more than just another road matchup in Atlanta. Along with the usual East matchup backdrop and the churn of recent roster changes on both sides, the Hawks are turning the game into a singles night promotion, aiming to blend basketball fandom with social matchmaking in a way that is definitely not standard issue for an NBA game night.
For Indiana, it adds one more odd layer to a rivalry that already has a little extra edge whenever these teams meet. The basketball still matters most once the ball goes up, but the setting is built to make the night feel bigger than the standings, with fans getting a themed event wrapped around a game the Pacers still need to treat like a business trip. [Read more 🡒]