Isaiah Jackson drafted by Washington Wizards with 22nd pick, traded to Indiana Pacers

Isaiah Jackson is heading to Indianapolis.

With the 22nd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards selected 19-year-old Isaiah Jackson via a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. But right after the pick was announced, it was reported by Shams Charania that Jackson will be traded to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Aaron Holiday. 

Wizards will receive No. 31 — along with Aaron Holiday — from Indiana too, sources said. https://t.co/C1133bFQB2

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 30, 2021

During his one year with the Kentucky Wildcats, Jackson was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing 2020-21 season. The 6-foot-10 pogo stick was named to both the SEC All-Freshman Team and the SEC All-Defensive Team after averaging 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per outing. Jackson wasn’t viewed as a one-and-done when he first arrived at Kentucky, but he quickly showcased the alien-like athleticism that made him an easy choice as an eventual first-round pick.

It didn’t take long for Jackson to establish himself as an elite shot-blocker at the college level. The freshman led Kentucky in blocks with 65, including nine games in which he recorded at least three rejections. Jackson’s block numbers as a Wildcat rival the likes of Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel. He also led the entire Kentucky team in rebounds this past season at 165, along with a team-leading field goal percentage of 54.0.

Jackson is the first Wildcat of the draft to hear his name called with B.J Boston expected to find an NBA home by the time the night is over. Olivier Sarr is also eligible, although he is projected to go undrafted.

Best of luck to Isaiah!