Andrew Nembhard is continuing to prove what Pacers fans knew all along

After a breakout season last year (especially in the Eastern Conference Finals), Andrew Nembhard is continuing to prove his value as a member of the Indiana Pacers. In his third season with the team, the former second-round draft pick is averaging 10.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He is the perfect complementary guard next to Tyrese Haliburton, and he is important to the Pacers' success.

While Nembhard is exceptional at a lot of things on offense, it is his defense that makes him stand out in Indiana. Despite the Pacers' average defensive rating, they are a much better team this year than they were last year. A lot of this has to do with Nembhard and what he brings to the table.

Nembhard is a good defender that the Pacers rely on. However, he still does not get the recognition he deserves from a national standpoint. Even so, with his performances all year, the Pacers guard is continuing to prove what fans knew the whole time.

Andrew Nembhard is arguably the most underrated defender in the NBA

Despite not being eligible for an All-Defensive Team selection, Nembhard has proven all season long that he is essential to the Pacers' defense and that he can succeed when taking on the opposing team's best player. This was most evident in the Pacers' latest victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. For much of the game, Nembhard guarded three-time All-Star Anthony Edwards and made things difficult for him.

In the game, Edwards scored 17 points while shooting 7-for-19 from the field and 1-for-11 from beyond the arc. This was just the second time Edwards shot 1-for-11 from the three-point line all season long. The other time? Also against Nembhard and the Pacers earlier in the season.

After their win against the Timberwolves, head coach Rick Carlisle praised Nembhard and his ability to rise to the occasion. Additionally, he said that Nembhard "loves" the challenge of guarding the opposing team's top player.

“These are the challenges that Andrew Nembhard loves,” Carlisle said. “You know, Anthony Edwards is one of the best players on the planet, and he understands there's no stoppers for guys like that, but the challenge to try to make it as hard as possible and slow him down a little bit is something that he understands is a craft.”

Furthermore, Obi Toppin also called Nembhard "the best defensive player" in the NBA.

Once the playoffs come around, the Pacers will take on the best players in the league. Especially considering how offense-heavy they are, the Pacers will need as much help on the defensive side of the ball as possible. However, as long as Nembhard is healthy and up for the challenge, the Pacers will have a good opportunity to go far in the playoffs once again.