Everybody is talking about Andrew Nembhard this season. He is taking on the biggest role of his career, given Tyrese Haliburton's absence. And for the most part, he is living up to it. In 10 games this season, the Canadian native is averaging 18.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while also playing fantastic defense.
Nembhard has clearly taken that next step, but his biggest improvement is one that nobody is talking about: his improvements as a catch-and-shoot three-point shooter.
According to NBA.com, Nembhard is shooting 43.5% on catch-and-shoot threes this season. Last season, he shot 30%.
If the Gonzaga alum can become a reliable three-point shooter, he's effectively a player without a distinguishable flaw. And since the Pacers will look to re-establish themselves as championship contenders once Haliburton returns, this would be a huge benefit to Nembhard and the team.
Andrew Nembhard will remain an important part of Indiana's success
Once they get their star guard back, the Pacers aren't going to rely on Nembhard as much. But this doesn't mean he won't continue to play an important role on the team.
Nembhard is still going to be tasked with guarding the opposing team's best player every night, and he will once again be a secondary ball-handler and facilitator alongside Haliburton.
Once Haliburton returns, Nembhard will be playing off the ball a lot more offensively, which may ultimately be best for him and the team. And now that it looks like he may have improved as a three-point shooter, he will be better suited to help Indiana compete for the long haul.
It's unclear exactly what led to this improvement. Maybe it's just Nembhard dialing in even more than normal, knowing exactly how much is on his plate. Or maybe it's Indiana running at a slower pace, which gives him more time to get open and get a shot off. Either way, the Pacers should be happy with the way he has played this season.
Wins and losses this season will not mean much for Indiana. The team is already near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and will not make any noise once the postseason comes around. Even so, they still have an incredibly bright future and should be able to make another NBA Finals run sooner rather than later.
In order for the Pacers to reach their full potential, though, they need Nembhard to continue to make strides. And if his current play is any indication, then that's exactly what the Pacers are going to get.