Jarace Walker biding time in G League with Mad Ants

ORLANDO, Fla. — With playing time at a premium for the Indiana Pacers, rookie Jarace Walker has spent time in the G League with the Indiana Mad Ants to start the season.

He is making the most of those minutes.

Walker joined the Mad Ants for their stint in the Showcase Cup Tournament at the G League Winter Showcase. They are one of eight teams competing in the single-elimination competition for a grand prize of $100,000 at the Orange County Convention Center.

The eighth pick produced a season-high 31 points, six rebounds, two steals and one assist to lead the Mad Ants to a 113-102 win over the Capital City Go-Go. He went 11-of-20 from the field, including 6-of-10 from 3-point range, in 33 minutes.

The 20-year-old has registered two 30-point games in four appearances with the Mad Ants. He is one of 31 players with multiple 30-point games, averaging 27.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals on 48.1% shooting from 3-point range.

Jarace Walker put on a show in @TheMadAnts Showcase Cup Quarterfinal win 😎

31 PTS | 6 3PM | 6 REB | 2 STL pic.twitter.com/sxxd2eW5zj

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 19, 2023

The opportunity to play with the Mad Ants comes as Walker has logged eight appearances with the Pacers. He had mostly played in mop-up duty, but recently saw a larger role after totaling 43 minutes in three games last week. He averaged 4.3 points and 1.7 rebounds over that span.

Playing time will likely continue to be sporadic for Walker this season as the Pacers fight for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. They have slipped in the standings after losing four straight, but are eighth with a 13-12 record.

Rookie Wire caught up with Walker on Tuesday to discuss playing in the G League, waiting for his opportunity with the Pacers, being teammates with Tyrese Haliburton and more.