Isaiah Jackson, a center who was traded to the LA Clippers at the February 2026 deadline, is in a very awkward position with the franchise. On one hand, Jackson is 24 and has the potential to expand his game on both ends of the floor. But, at the same time, when he was allowed to showcase what he’s made of last season, the former first-round pick demonstrated a mix of strengths and weaknesses.
That’s particularly why the first quarter of the upcoming regular season will determine his future with the Clippers. If Jackson proves to the team he’s grown as a player on and off the court and is willing to learn, there's a clear path to integrating him into the long-term blueprint. In the event he doesn’t and shows signs of stagnation or regression, the front office will probably end up parting ways before or at the trade deadline.
It’s worth noting that Jackson will have extra opportunities presented in front of him at least for the first couple of months of the regular season. He’ll be the second center in the rotation behind Brook Lopez, with Yanic Konan Niederhauser still recovering from the Lisfranc injury he suffered.
Isaiah Jackson’s flaws will have to be cleaned up for him to be seen as a long-term option
For someone looking at strictly statistics, Isaiah Jackson is an excellent option for a backup center. Last season, for the LA Clippers, Jackson averaged 7.5 points and 4.6 rebounds in 17 games, shooting 76.4% from the field in just 15.9 minutes.
Given that those numbers are elite, it might make one wonder why he didn’t get more minutes or what’s holding him back from being seen as a player the Clippers would like to hold on to for the foreseeable future.
Beyond the numbers is the film, and that’s where Jackson showed his weaknesses.
The Kentucky product struggles with physicality, doesn’t provide much offensively outside of alley-oops and putbacks, and lacks a true feel for the game, particularly on offense.
So, in the first chunk of the upcoming season, Jackson will have to show that he’s been in the weight room, flashes of a post game, and the ability to handle the ball and maneuver in traffic.
If he fails to check off these boxes, he'll likely be moved mid-season. It’s not like that’ll be difficult either, as Jackson is on a very team-friendly contract.
