Pacers Notes: Obi Toppin, Quenton Jackson, Jalen Slawson

The Pacers got a lift Thursday when Obi Toppin returned from foot surgery and made his season debut.

Toppin, who had been sidelined since October with a fractured fifth metatarsal, received a standing ovation when introduced as a starter.

“He’s our engine,” guard T.J. McConnell said, via Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star. “He brings energy on both ends of the floor. To have him back, it’s such a positive for our team. We’ve missed him dearly. He’s worked tirelessly to come back.”

Toppin said he was determined to return this season.

“I always want to be out there on the floor,” he said. “We’re still a team. We still want to find that rhythm and connectivity. Just continue to play the right way and show the younger guys how this goes.”

Coach Rick Carlisle said Toppin will remain on a minutes restriction but called the crowd reaction “heartwarming.”

“He’s a guy that brings energy to our team and our situation,” Carlisle said. “We need him.”

Jackson promoted

Indiana also surprised guard Quenton Jackson by converting him to a three-year standard contract.

“He’s really earned it,” Carlisle said, per Dopirak. “He’s a culture enhancer. He defends. He can run a team. When he comes in, he energizes things.”

Jackson said he’s grateful but focused on continuing to grow.

Slawson signed

Forward Jalen Slawson signed a two-way contract for the rest of the season, as we relayed here.

“I think he’s an NBA player,” Carlisle said, via Forbes’ Tony East. “This will be a great opportunity for him.”