“We’re hoping it’s not the worst news.” Rick Carlisle had his fingers crossed after Isaiah Jackson left last night’s game because of an apparent calf injury. Obviously, the Indiana Pacers are still adjusting to James Wiseman’s absence and they cannot afford another one of their big men facing health concerns. Jackson landed awkwardly after trying to contest Brandon Ingram’s shot and immediately began hobbling while the play continued. Unfortunately, the hooper’s worst nightmare has come true, as the latest update reveals that the non-contact injury was more serious than everyone expected.

As per the latest official report, “An MRI taken earlier today confirmed that Jackson tore his right Achilles tendon.” Sure enough, he’ll have to undergo surgery, which is scheduled for Monday. Considering that a torn Achilles is one of the most brutal injuries for any athlete, Isaiah Jackson is unlikely to return this season.

That’s a massive blow for the Pacers because he had been in decent form for the first five games, averaging 7 points and nearly 6 rebounds. Moreover, he had been a defensive menace getting 1.6 blocks per game. More importantly, he is the second Pacers Center to suffer a major injury to start the season. Yes, James Wiseman unfortunately tore his left Achilles tendon in a similar manner during his Pacers debut. He, too, landed awkwardly after rising for a jump shot and immediately began favoring his foot.

James Wiseman underwent surgery a few days later, performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley and he’s also likely to miss the entire season. Wiseman and Jackson’s absence leave Indiana with a massive lack of depth at the 5. But a $2.2 million exception could save them.

Isaiah Jackson’s partial salary could solve the Pacers’ size problem!

Well, Jackson was entering the final year of his rookie contract and was owed $4.4 million in salary for this season. However, he is most likely out for the season. So, the organization can file for a Disabled Player Exception for half of his salary, which amounts to $2.2 million. Yes, they currently have one roster spot left and are $2.5 million below the luxury tax threshold. Therefore, the Indiana Pacers can use this flexibility to add another big man to make up for Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman’s absence.

Obviously, a DPE can only be availed when a player has a season-ending injury. This exception allows the team to sign a replacement player on a one-year deal or make a trade for a player in the final year of his contract. However, a team should apply for it before January 15 and avail it before March 11. Even the Bulls received a DPE last season after it was determined that Lonzo Ball would remain out for the entire year. As of now, the Pacers only have Myles Turner to rely on to protect the paint. And they will definitely need more firepower to have a successful year. So, a DPE might be the only way to salvage the injury-riddled season. Do you agree?