Pacers Secure Fourth-Year Club Options for Rising Stars Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard
The Indiana Pacers have officially exercised the fourth-year club options for rising stars Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard. This announcement was made on Tuesday via the team’s social media channels.
Contract Details for Walker and Sheppard
Walker and Sheppard’s contracts reflect their potential as key contributors to the Pacers’ future. Here are the financial details:
- Jarace Walker:
- 2023-2024 Salary: $6.67 million
- Fourth-Year Salary: $8.48 million
- Ben Sheppard:
- 2023-2024 Salary: $2.79 million
- Next Season Salary: $5.03 million
Draft Background
The Pacers selected Walker and Sheppard during the 2023 NBA Draft. Walker was chosen as the eighth overall pick from Houston, while Sheppard was picked as the 26th overall from Belmont.
Player Profiles
Jarace Walker, standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 235 pounds, was recruited primarily as a power forward. However, with the team’s recent acquisitions of Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin, he faces challenges in securing a consistent spot in the rotation. This season, Walker has focused on enhancing his perimeter skills. He is expected to take on the role of second-unit small forward.
In his rookie season, Walker averaged:
- 6.1 points per game
- 3.1 rebounds per game
- 1.5 assists per game
Ben Sheppard, although a less prominent name in the draft, has earned the respect of the Pacers’ coaching staff. His energy and adaptability have enabled him to fit well within the team’s system. Despite limited playing time initially, he seized opportunities later in the season, particularly after a shoulder injury sidelined teammate Bennedict Mathurin.
Sheppard made a substantial impact in the playoffs with averages of:
- 5.3 points per game
- 3.2 points per game in the playoffs
His shooting percentages during the postseason included:
- 39.5% from 3-point range
- 47.1% from the field
Conclusion
The Pacers’ decision to secure Walker and Sheppard’s fourth-year options underscores their commitment to developing young talent. Both players are expected to play significant roles as the team aims for greater success in upcoming seasons.
