Jalen Smith takes advantage of backup center minutes in Indiana Pacers win over Orlando Magic
In the Indiana Pacers last 13 games, Jalen Smith has only received minutes in six of them. In four of those six outings, he got less than 10 minutes of playing time. The young big man has been on the outside of the Pacers rotation of late as Indiana sorts out a logjam in the frontcourt.
Last night, though, Smith was firmly back in the mix. In a win over the Orlando Magic, the 22-year old neared 20 minutes of action and was the first center off the bench for the blue and gold. He played more minutes than he had in a game since January 13.
Smith knows what he's supposed to do when he gets in the game. He needs to be a backstop on defense, scoop up rebounds, set good screens, and finish plays. He's grown significantly since being traded from the Suns to the Pacers, and his role is more defined. He's been at his best at the five spot as opposed to at the four.
The young big man had a solid outing just before the All-Star break when he had four rebounds in a big win over the Chicago Bulls. Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle praised Smith's contributions after that game and said they were key to the win.
"It meant a lot," Smith said of the compliments from Carlisle. "I'm just here to do my job. Be a great teammate, be ready whenever my number is called."
A performance like that could be a boost for some young players who are out of their team's rotation. But Smith didn't need a boost. He knows that he can be helpful in a pinch.
"It didn't really have much impact on me. I know what I'm capable of," he told AllPacers of his effective game against Chicago. "I know what I need to do to help the team win. I just went out there and did it. It wasn't a moral win for me. It was just another day on the job."
Against Orlando, Smith's task was once again to go out there and do that job. The Pacers hadn't won a road game since December prior to last night, and the Magic were hot on their tail in the standings. It was an important game.
Like he was against Chicago, Smith was up for the task. He finished with seven points, seven rebounds, and five blocks in the victory, and he was a +12 in a 13-point win. His contributions were as important as ever.
"Jalen Smith and [Jordan] Nwora really were exceptional off the bench," Carlisle said in his postgame media availability. Smith had more rebounds against the Magic than he had in a game since January 2, more points than he had scored since January 27, and more blocks than he had since... ever. He set a career high by swatting five shots, something he had never done before in the NBA. It was an excellent outing for the young big man.
"Jalen Smith. Five blocked shots. He kind of anchored the defense for that second group," Carlisle said.
Many factors have changed the Pacers frontcourt rotation this season. After naming Smith the starting power forward to open the season, Indiana opted to go small instead after about two months. The guard-heavy groups found success, and the blue and gold decided to have Smith play as the backup five.
Young center Isaiah Jackson continued to blossom, though, and Daniel Theis returned from injury soon after. Suddenly, there weren't enough minutes to go around in the frontcourt, and Smith has been out of the rotation on occasion. Myles Turner starts for the Pacers, so Theis, Jackson, and Smith all get minutes behind him. There's not enough playing time for everyone.
Smith played in 46 of the team's first 49 games, but has played in just six of the 13 since. Still, Carlisle is impressed with how the youngster has handled the situation.
"He has continued to work and keep himself ready," Carlisle said of Smith's attitude being out of the rotation. "That's the kind of player that we're looking to build with. A guy that's just a straight professional and is always ready to go."
Smith showed those qualities last night. He was huge for the Pacers in their win over the Magic, and as the Pacers enter the stretch run of their season and try to balance winning and development, more opportunities could be coming for young Pacers big men like Jalen Smith.
- Myles Turner shows off improved offensive skills with a 40-point game vs Boston Celtics. CLICK HERE.
- Buddy Hield sets the Indiana Pacers franchise record for three pointers made in a single season. CLICK HERE.
- AllPacers goes one-on-one with new Indiana Pacers forward Jordan Nwora, CLICK HERE, and guard Trevelin Queen. CLICK HERE.
- Malcolm Brogdon returns to Indiana with fond memories of his Pacers tenure. CLICK HERE.
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