Jaren Jackson Jr and Jaden Ivey name Indiana as favorite NBA road trip
The Athletic published an NBA player poll over All-Star weekend, highlighting how several players feel about trash talkers, the possible mid-season tournament, and much more.
One of the questions asked in the survey was about which city is a player's favorite to travel to on a road trip. Indianapolis, where the Indiana Pacers play, received two votes in the poll. Only New York and Los Angeles were named by more players.
One of the two players who answered "Indianapolis" was Detroit Pistons rookie guard Jaden Ivey. "Just me growing up in Indiana, and I love playing at the Pacers facility. I would say that’s my favorite," Ivey is quoted as saying.
Ivey, who was selected fifth overall by the Pistons in the 2022 NBA Draft, was born in Northern Indiana. He was raised in the state as well before playing college basketball at Purdue University, just over one hour North of Indy. It makes perfect sense why the talented guard would pick Indiana.
So far, Ivey has only played in Indiana once in his career. He finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds last October, though the Pacers beat the Pistons.
The other player to name Indiana as their favorite NBA travel destination in the poll was Memphis Grizzlies All-Star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. Jackson Jr played high school basketball in Indiana, including two years in Indianapolis, before playing collegiately at Michigan State.
"Indiana (Indianapolis) I’m from there, that’s where all my people be. I love playing in Indiana," Jackson said in response to The Athletic's poll.
Jackson Jr, the Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner, had nine points and 10 rebounds in Indiana earlier this season. The Grizzlies have numerous players with ties to the state on their roster, including John Konchar, Desmond Bane, and Jake LaRavia.
Indianapolis is set to host the 2024 NBA All-Star game, so many players and media alike will be descending upon the city next February. For Ivey and Jackson Jr, that would be a pleasant trip.
- 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.
- Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
- Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers
