3 young players Pacers should develop, 2 to give up on

By Ben Grunert | Jul 31, 2023

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 19: Andrew Nembhard #2 and Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers celebrate in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 19, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /

The Pacers should continue to develop Andrew Nembhard

At 23 years old, Andrew Nembhard is one of the league’s best-kept secrets. The Canadian playmaker already makes a case for the best backup point guard in the NBA, and he would have the best vision on most rosters in the league. If not for Haliburton’s presence, he would almost certainly run the show as Indy’s distributor.

In 24 games without Haliburton, Nembhard put up per-game averages of 13.8 points and seven assists. He also recorded a career-high 31 points in a road win over Golden State to go along with 13 assists. After also setting a career-high 15 assists toward the tail end of the season, Nembhard truly solidified his status as a dime-dropper.

Nembhard first put the NBA world on notice last November when he splashed a buzzer-beating three in the face of Lebron James to take down the Lakers in Los Angeles.

https://twitter.com/Pacers/status/1597485172634443777?s=20

The 6-foot-3 guard also serves as one of Indiana’s best perimeter defenders. Nembhard provides consistent effort and toughness when guarding opponents, often taking on high-quality players or even All-Stars as his defensive assignments.

When Indiana’s young core has fully developed, it would make sense to find Nembhard contending for Sixth Man of the Year on an annual basis. As long as he is playing for the Pacers, Nembhard will thrive as one of the best bench players in the league — with the skill set to start if needed.

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