Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan told the Setting The Pace podcast that the franchise envisions rookie forward Jarace Walker developing into Indiana’s version of OG Anunoby. Walker, the eighth-overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has quickly become one of the most polarizing players on the roster, sparking both optimism and frustration among the fan base.
The message from the front office is clear: the Pacers are not looking for a 20-point scorer or a primary ball-handler. Instead, they want Walker to carve out a role defined by defensive versatility and consistent toughness. Buchanan emphasized that the team’s ideal for Walker mirrors the career Anunoby built in Toronto , a wing who can guard multiple positions, switch onto guards without losing speed, and contribute solid three-point shooting.
Walker’s physical profile gives him an edge over current role players Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard, who have already embraced the “dirty-work” mindset but lack the size and length that Walker possesses. That additional size allows him to contest shots and protect the rim while still being agile enough to stay on the perimeter, a combination the Pacers value in a defensive specialist.
Offensively, Walker has shown he can knock down open threes, a skill that fits the Pacers’ spacing needs. Buchanan noted that if Walker can begin attacking a scrambling defense after Tyrese Haliburton creates an advantage, he would become an even more potent threat. This ability to transition from perimeter shooting to aggressive cuts mirrors the kind of opportunistic play that defines Anunoby’s impact.
Strategically, Walker sits between the playmaking of Haliburton and the slashing of Pascal Siakam. His versatility offers Indiana a switch-down option that can protect the paint, challenge perimeter shooters, and keep the defensive rotation disciplined. By adding a player with Walker’s blend of size, length, and defensive instincts, the Pacers aim to strengthen the core that surrounds Haliburton and Siakam.
Looking ahead, Walker’s development will be measured by his consistency on the defensive end and his willingness to embrace the less glamorous aspects of the game. The coaching staff has indicated that his responsibilities will increase as the season progresses, especially in matchups against teams with strong perimeter offenses. If he can maintain his three-point shooting while delivering steady defensive effort, a starting role could be on the horizon by next summer.
