Indiana Pacers: Updated projected rotation after NBA free agency
By Joe Lyon
The reserves: A surprisingly solid unit
The Pacers reserves are strong and the Pacers are quickly becoming a very deep team. Here are the projected second unit players.
Andrew Nembhard – Look for Andrew to transition in year two to his natural position, point guard. He has a dangerous shot and excellent defensive instincts and we are hopeful to see him take a big jump in year two.
Bennedict Mathurin – Another Pacers sophomore will look to add to his solid rookie campaign. There is a chance that Mathurin is able to start at the beginning of the year, in which case, switch out Hield with Mathurin here (although we don’t see it happening).
Aaron Nesmith – Had an excellent first year in Indiana last year after the trade from the Boston Celtics. Although Nesmith played a lot of first unit minutes last year, look for both Toppin (a natural four) and Bruce Brown to jump him in the rotation.
Jarace Walker – The newest Pacers draft pick could immediately come in and have an impact as a starter, but it’s doubtful. Although he may be competing for it by the end of the year. Look for Walker to grow and learn the NBA game with the second unit this year.
Isaiah Jackson – This is a hard pick, as it was between Jackson and Jalen Smith. But Jackson probably has the higher upside for the current year.