NBA Notes: Pacers, Pistons, Anthony Davis, Bucks, Taurean Prince

Pacers

Quenton Jackson is taking another step toward returning to the rotation. The Pacers wing will suit up for the G League’s Noblesville Boom tonight before rejoining the NBA club in Philadelphia on Friday, per Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.

Jackson hasn’t appeared in a game since straining his hamstring on November 3, but Rick Carlisle said the ramp-up is “going well.” Jackson is listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup with the Sixers.

Indiana also made a roster move this week, waiving Jeremiah Robinson-Earl on Wednesday. Carlisle told Dopirak that Robinson-Earl is weighing multiple options, including the possibility of joining the Boom.

The forward averaged 4.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in 17 appearances but slipped out of Carlisle’s rotation.

Pistons

Detroit’s name continues to float around the Anthony Davis rumor mill, but it does not appear to be rooted in anything substantial.

Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reports that, according to his sources, the Pistons have not had trade discussions with Dallas about Davis and are unlikely to pursue him.

The logic is straightforward. Davis’ age, contract and injury history do not align with a roster built around young pieces, and the front office isn’t eager to add major long-term salary with Jalen Duren headed for a significant extension this summer.

Detroit sits atop the East at 19-5 and has little incentive to force a blockbuster that doesn’t fit its timeline.

Bucks

Taurean Prince spoke publicly for the first time since undergoing neck surgery nearly a month ago, telling reporters Thursday that the procedure was the only path back to basketball.

“It was definitely a tough process,” he said, via Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “The only way to hoop again would be to get the surgery. That was my mindset from the jump.”

Prince is unable to engage in physical activity yet but remains confident he’ll return to action. The veteran forward, who holds a $3.81 million option for next season, emphasized that he still feels he has “a lot in the tank.”

Prince added that he’s grateful simply to be healthy and looking forward to resuming his career when cleared.