5. Bennedict Mathurin
Second-year guard Bennedict Mathurin will look to step up after a huge rookie year. Sharing minutes with Tyrese Haliburton will help with that.
Last year, Mathurin scored 2,462 points, which, combined with Haliburton’s total, made up 25.8% of the Pacers’ offense.
Mathurin played in 78 games and started in 17 of those contests. He averaged 28.5 minutes a game and was able to score big (43.4% field goal, 32.3% 3pt, and 82.8 FT).
If the Pacers look to ship Hield off in a trade after years of speculation, Mathurin’s role and importance to Indiana’s offense could increase. Both players can add to the scoreboard with ease, distribute the rock, and even create extra opportunities on defense by forcing turnovers.
In the season opener, Mathurin scored 18 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Though he only shot 6-of-15 from the field, the starting shooting guard made two of his six shots from three and all four of his free throws.
In 26 minutes for the Pacers, Mathurin only committed two turnovers and racked up one foul. Haliburton also added a steal and two blocks while only giving the ball away three times.
Haliburton has options on Indiana’s roster to thwart the Pacers into the playoffs. The All-Star point guard can’t do it alone, but he definitely has some support.