One player the Thunder should target on each team in the Central Division

Indiana Pacers: Isaiah Jackson

Isaiah Jackson may not be a household name, but he is one of the league’s best post defenders. He’s also a hyperactive shot blocker who averages over three swats per 36 minutes. At only 21 years old, he would make an ideal addition to the OKC Thunder’s rotation as they continue to build toward sustained success.

Jackson’s appeal is similar to Jarrett Allen’s as a rotational big to play next to Chet Holmgren, particularly against teams who will play two big lineups. Yet Jackson would make a more accessible addition than Allen. He would cost less, and he wouldn’t expect to start on a nightly basis.

Jackson has been Myles Turner’s backup for two years in Indiana, playing just 16 minutes per game. As long as Turner is on the Pacers, Jackson will continue to see limited minutes off the bench. As a new member of the Thunder, he could see more playing time.

Isaiah Jackson would represent a high-end back up center for the Thunder. The OKC Thunder will need more size on the court when they face teams like the Timberwolves, Nuggets, Lakers, or Grizzlies in the playoffs.

Postplay may be dying in the NBA, but the league’s best player dominates from that space, and he’s in the Thunder’s way in the Western Conference. Every team that plans to contend needs a plan for Nikola Jokic.

In the 2023 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers felt they had to free Anthony Davis from Jokic. So, instead of guarding the two-time MVP, he defended Aaron Gordon in the corner. This allowed Davis to roam the baseline and protect the rim as a helper. The Lakers lost in four games, but the theory behind the move had merit.

Facing the Nuggets in a future playoff series, the OKC Thunder will likely find they need to do the same thing with Holmgren. Jackson would be OKC’s answer for dominant post players. No one can stop Jokic, but teams need multiple looks to throw at the Nuggets if they are to stand a chance.

Jackson could defend centers who feast in the paint in this two-big lineup while Holmgren provides help side rim protection. Head coach Mark Daigneault treats starting units the way a chess master treats openings. Adding Jackson would give him another rook on the board.