The Indiana Pacers, according to head coach Rick Carlisle, will experiment a lot this season, adding explosive young guard Bennedict Mathurin to the starting lineup.
Last season, Mathurin averaged 16.1 points and shot 34 percent from deep, and with Andrew Nembhard taking over facilitating duties with Tyrese Haliburton out, the Pacers will rely on Mathurin to be a volume scorer and steady defender, a role he seems to thrive in.
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Mathurin, unlike Nembhard, has yet to sign any form of rookie extension and appears to be headed for restricted free agency next summer. With examples like Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors, who are yet to reach any sort of agreement and seem poised for an awkward season, the Pacers should be eager to extend Mathurin sooner rather than later.
Players on defined contracts are easier to trade, and Mathurin is oozing with potential. In the unlikely event that he falls flat next season, he should be easily tradeable.
Of course, signing him to a long-term contract does not come without sacrifices. Down the road, the Pacers will have to pick between Mathurin, Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, and maybe even Nembhard. However, if they can keep only two of those three long-term, Mathurin is an easy inclusion who has already won over both the fans and the coaching staff.
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Look out West to the Warriors’ situation. They are not built for long-term success and are unable to invest in players who might salvage their future. Mathurin is a building block and a clear member of the young core, and should be treated as such.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.