Quenton Jackson joins Indiana Pacers and hopes to help new team by 'being a dog on defense'
INDIANAPOLIS — As the calendar reached March 4, a deadline came for NBA teams to sign players to two-way contracts. On that same day, the Indiana Pacers had a two-way deal available — they had just promoted the contract of young wing Kendall Brown.
They searched for options with their two-way deal and explored signing a few different players. In the end, their search landed on guard Quenton Jackson, a taller, athletic 25-year old in his second professional season. He inked a one-year, two-way contract with the Pacers on the day of the deadline, which gives him the chance to appear in 12 NBA games down the stretch of this season..
For Jackson, who was previously with the Windy City Bulls and wasn't sure if he'd land on a new contract before the deadline, it was a wonderful moment. "It was a shock to me, I ain't gonna lie," Jackson told AllPacers in a one-on-one interview. He wasn't thinking about what was next as he tried to get better in the G League.
"My coach ended up talking to me and was kind of nudging at the fact that something might be coming my way," he added. Jackson didn't want to get his hopes up, but he got great news: the Pacers were offering him a two-way contract. He was back in the NBA.
"I was just grateful. I was blessed to have the opportunity," Jackson said. He joined the Indiana Mad Ants the next day for a practice in Indianapolis. The Mad Ants are the G League affiliate franchise for the Pacers, and on a two-way deal Jackson will be with that club often.
In 38 games for the Windy City Bulls this season, Jackson averaged 16.0 points and 5.8 assists per game. He was talented enough to be in training camp for the Chicago Bulls but was waived prior to the season. Still, he continued to prove that he can add value throughout the campaign.
It's a continuation of his first season. Jackson spent his rookie year in the Washington Wizards organization, and he finished the season on a two-way deal with the Wizards. He made nine NBA appearances in 2022-23.
He's now with a new team for the third time since becoming a pro, so he will have to adjust again. His role with the Mad Ants will be different than with the Pacers, and they will both be unique compared to what he was asked to do with Windy City.
Already, the Mad Ants are seeing that. With Indiana's G League club, Jackson is currently averaging 23 points per game. He's been asked to score a lot thanks to his size and speed with the ball, and so far he has stepped up. His efficiency has been off the charts.
With the Pacers, should Jackson even get much playing time in the NBA, his role will largely depend on what is needed. He may need to handle the ball, he might need to be a taller guard on defense, or he may just need to soak up guard minutes down the stretch of a long season. Whatever might be coming for the 25-year old, he's ready for it.
"Just by being me. Being a dog on defense, just being aggressive on offense," Jackson said of how he can leave an impact with the Pacers if called upon. "Making plays for other guys. Same stuff I always do. Plan [doesn't] change, just a bigger level."
This past Tuesday, Jackson suited up for the Mad Ants at home for the first time. He finished with 29 points, seven rebounds, and four assists to guide a 20-point comeback. He was terrific during his first game in Gainbridge Fieldhouse with his new franchise.
Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson plays for the Indiana Mad Ants in Gianbridge Fieldhouse on March 12, 2024. (Mandatory Photo Credit: AllPacers)
Prior to that game, the G League club was on the road and never overlapped with the Pacers. Despite having signed with the NBA team eight days earlier, Jackson had yet to meet any of his new NBA teammates. But the following day, that all changed. The Pacers hosted the Bulls in Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday, and Jackson's experience flipped.
He got to see his Pacers locker, which was previously occupied by Jordan Nwora. He met some of his teammates, and he was active against Chicago — the franchise he started the season with. Jackson didn't play, but he still had a meaningful day.
"I've heard a lot of good things about the guys... Excited to see what a winning team's locker room looks like," Jackson said of being with the Pacers. He recalled meeting new teammate Andrew Nembhard during a re-draft workout for Indiana in 2022.
Jackson is into cars. The Texas A&M product is currently using a Subaru to get around, but he wanted to make it clear that he has more vehicles than just that. The California native also owns a 2013 Porsche Panamera and a 2006 BMW 750Li. His Porsche is getting some upgrades soon.
He's also giving the Mad Ants upgrades by being an athletic, shifty guard who can help their playoff push. Indiana is currently in third place in the G League's Eastern Conference with just a few games to play before the postseason.
Jackson can help make the playoffs a reality. "I love it. I love everything about it. I love the approach," Jackson said of the Mad Ants. He loves the camaraderie and has fit in well so far.
Quenton Jackson had to be patient for much of this season, but he trusted his work and kept trying to get better. On the final day he could receive a two-way contract, he earned one from the Indiana Pacers. It's fitting for a car guy, and now he will continue to get better and help his new franchise.
- How the Indiana Pacers will have to adjust with Bennedict Mathurin sidelined for the rest of the season. CLICK HERE.
- Kendall Brown was thinking about an NBA contract all year before earning one with the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- Doug McDermott practiced on Friday, he's getting close to a return from a calf injury for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- DeMar DeRozan's 46 points were too much for the Indiana Pacers in an overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls. CLICK HERE.
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