There haven’t been too many players the Pacers dealt or lost through free agency that are worth wishing well. It would take a fan of generous spirit to hope for the success of Jermaine O’Neal, Stephen Jackson, Jamal Tinsley, and affable psycho Ron Metta World Artest Peace, but Jarrett Jack was different.
The Georgia Tech product was only in Indianapolis for one season, but the passion he brought to a unit that had been without it for years was refreshing and appreciated. He gave a damn, and brought a really different vibe to the blue and gold.
When Jack signed with the Toronto Raptors after the 2008-2009 season, the Pacers missed more than his 13.1 points. He made basketball fun again for fans and teammates, and seems to be having some fun playing for the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs, ironically for a coach that made basketball fun for a time in Indy – Mark Jackson.