Jesse Eisenberg talks NBA and becoming the Pacers’ Drake
By Nir Regev
While promoting his new film, The Art of Self-Defense, Jesse Eisenberg talked to FanSided about his lifelong Pacers fandom.
During an interview with FanSided about his new movie, The Art of Self Defense, Jesse Eisenberg answered a few questions about his lifetime Indiana Pacers fandom. Eisenberg is an avid fan of the NBA, still just as excited about taking a photo with Pacers great Rik Smits last year as he would be in his childhood. Though a Queens native, Reggie Miller’s on-court play quickly caught his attention and he’s been a Pacers fan ever since. Eisenberg reminisced about past all-time Pacers squads and shared his thoughts about the current roster led by Victor Oladipo.
The Social Network star mentioned he wouldn’t mind being courtside like the Toronto Raptors’ Drake. Hint, hint, Indiana! The Lakers have Jack Nicholson, the Knicks have Spike Lee, The Raptors have Drake, the Pacers should make Jesse Eisenberg their unofficial ambassador…
FanSided.com (Nir Regev): I’ve heard that you’re an Indiana Pacers fan. Is that true?
Jesse Eisenberg: Well, I grew up loving them when I was a kid because they were such a great team. Reggie Miller, Rik Smits, who I took a picture with last year. Dale Davis, Antonio Davis, Just a really good team. I’m originally from Queens. Now I live in southern Indiana so I can go to Pacers games. That’s the most convenient team for me. (Laughs)
I like Victor Oladipo, he’s great. Hopefully, they’ll be good this year, they’re unexpected. [smiles]
Do you go to the games? You could become like Drake!
Yeah, I’ve been to games. That would be so cool [to be courtside like Drake]! If they’ll have me. I think they’ll make the playoffs, they were in fifth place this year even without Oladipo for the last month. I’m curious how Brooklyn [Nets] will be this year with their new moves. They have a nice team and I’ve liked watching them in the past.
Watch Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, and Imogen Poots in The Art of Self-Defense in theaters nationwide on July 19, 2019.