The Indiana Pacers have stolen one of the Windy City Bulls’ best players.
Guard Quenton Jackson will depart the Chicago Bulls’ G-League affiliate for a two-way deal with their Central Division foe, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Jackson had been averaging 17.4 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds over his 23 regular season games with Windy City this season. He also shot 50.2 percent from the field, meaning among the 24 players who have scored 400 points so far this regular season, Jackson has ranked 7th in field goal percentage.
Jackson has toyed with an NBA roster spot ever since joining the NBA as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He first played for the Capital City Go-Go during the 2022-23 season before signing a two-way contract in February of 2023 to finish the year splitting time between the affiliate and the Washington Wizards. Jackson appeared in nine total games, averaging 6.2 points and 1.7 assists in 15.0 minutes of action.
He then went on to sign a training camp deal with the Chicago Bulls and appear in several preseason contests. The Bulls would waive the 25-year-old ahead of opening night, positioning him to join the Windy City roster.
Funny enough, I just got a taste of what Jackson could do in person on Friday night. Attending the Windy City game against the G-League Ignite, he looked like one of the most athletic players on the floor. His explosive driving ability and strong finishing skills caught your eye instantly. The bulk of Jackson’s scoring comes within 5 feet of the basket, where he’s shot 66.7 percent this season.
Unfortunately, he has yet to show a consistent long-range game, but the downhill burst is understandable enough to convince an organization to take a closer look. Quenton Jackson also works hard on the defensive end and possesses decent size at six-foot-five (though, he is on the thinner side). He’s currently six in the G-League in total steals.
Anyway, I wish the guy nothing but the best. When we really think about it, he still holds one of the best highlights in a Bulls jersey this season (even if it was in the preseason).