According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Indiana Pacers big man Jalen Smith is likely to decline his $5.4 million player option this offseason.
According to league sources, forward Jalen Smith is expected to decline his $5.4 million player option and join unrestricted free agency this summer. There has been no formal decision made, but this is an early indicator.
In February 2022, the Pacers traded for Smith. Smith first played a significant part with the Pacers. In 22 games for the team in 2022, Smith averaged 13.4 points and 7.6 rebounds. Additionally, the former top-10 overall pick started a career-high 31 games for the Pacers last season. However, Smith’s influence diminished during the 2023-24 season, as third-year center Isaiah Jackson emerged. The big man averaged 17.2 minutes per game, his lowest total during his Pacers career, and appeared in only seven of Indiana’s 17 playoff games.
Smith’s opt-in deadline for next season is June 29.
Indiana Pacers Big Man Likely Declining Player Option
What Jalen Smith Can Offer
Despite his declining role, Smith had the best three-point shooting season of his career in 2023-24. The 24-year-old had a career-high 42.4% from beyond the arc. Additionally, his 59.2 FG% this season is a career high. Smith discussed his development as a perimeter scorer in March, stating that “the pressure” had an impact on his shot early in his career.
Smith added, “I don’t think it had anything to do with my mechanics.” “I believe it was just the pressure I put on myself to make the shot rather than simply shooting the ball.” Obviously, coming in and starting as a young kid got to my head. I just let it get to me. I was just putting pressure on myself to be flawless. “I believe that had the greatest impact on my shot.”
Furthermore, he possesses the skills to be a good shot-blocker in the league and is quite athletic. And, while he has primarily served as a backup big man, he can also contribute valuable minutes as a starter.
Indiana Pacers Roster Speaks Highly of Jalen Smith’s Game
In November, Pacers center Myles Turner discussed Smith and what distinguishes him as a player. According to Turner, Smith’s confidence and adaptability are what make him an enticing big man.
“[Smith] is absolutely full of confidence. “I believe he can do everything,” Pacers starting center Myles Turner said. “He can shoot, make down low shots, and roll. I believe his thing is just getting that boost of confidence,” he explained.
Additionally, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle lauded Smith’s work ethic ahead of the 2023-24 season.
“There’s nobody that worked harder than Jalen Smith in the summer,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle stated this week. He complimented Smith’s preparation and defensive improvements. “He’s been a good rebounder, he can block shots.”
Smith, at only 24 years old, will most certainly improve with repeated opportunities. And if he decides to decline his player option, he will be free to sign with any team that is interested in him.
