The Indiana Pacers' backup point guard situation was a major problem that only got worse. However, they have an immediate solution that could keep things afloat for a while: rely on Ben Sheppard as a backup point guard behind Andrew Nembhard.
This might not be ideal, but Indiana is strapped for options.
With Tyrese Haliburton out for the year due to an Achilles injury, the Pacers have a big point guard problem on their hands. They are going to utilize Nembhard as their starting point guard, but their depth behind him is bleak.
This was the case even heading into the preseason, but the situation leaves even more to be desired now.
T.J. McConnell suffered a hamstring injury during the Pacers' preseason opener and is set to miss roughly a month to begin the regular season. Additionally, rookie Kam Jones, who did not play at all in preseason due to a back injury, is set to be out of action for a few more weeks.
The Pacers have also struggled to find an external option. They signed Monte Morris just before training camp, but the deal fell through as he is dealing with a calf strain. Furthermore, they signed veteran guards Delon Wright and Cam Payne before ultimately waiving both of them.
This is a problem that will likely take a long time for Indiana to find a fix for. However, they have at least one option on the roster in Sheppard, even if it's a bit of an unorthodox one.
Can Ben Sheppard handle a point guard role for the Pacers?
The 6-foot-6 guard is officially listed as only a shooting guard, which is the primary position he has played for the Pacers since getting drafted in 2023. However, he has experience playing point guard at Belmont, and that seems to be enough for head coach Rick Carlisle to trust him in this role (h/t Dustin Dopirak of the Indy Star).
"Carlisle noted that third-year wing Ben Sheppard played some point guard in college at Belmont. The Pacers have mostly used him at shooting guard and small forward, but he's steady and has had some limited minutes at the 1," Dopirak wrote.
"That might be what we have to do for a while," Carlisle said.
Sheppard will never be a primary point guard in the league, especially for the Pacers. However, he has solid court vision and high basketball IQ. Furthermore, while he has never truly been tasked with being a major ball-handler for Indiana, he can still get the job done in a pinch because of his ability to move the ball well for the Pacers. This is crucial in their system.
Additionally, the Georgia native has made it clear in the past that he is always willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win and showcase his full value.
Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Sheppard spoke about what he brings to the table.
"Every chance I get to step on the floor, I'm just trying to showcase the player that I am. Just team player, high IQ player that just plays the right way," Sheppard said.
This will prove to be more relevant than ever ahead of this season as he prepares to potentially take on a bigger role, even if it is a little outside his comfort zone.
He is not going to be a facilitator or playmaker, but Sheppard's brief point guard experience might be enough for him to take on this role for the Pacers. At least until McConnell or Jones come back.
The Pacers are looking to make some noise this season, regardless of what many are anticipating. In order for them to do so, though, they need to overcome one of their biggest obstacles to begin the season. If they can, then they may be able to re-establish themselves as playoff contenders.
However, a lot of that success may fall into the hands of Sheppard, whose performance early on may indicate how Indiana's season goes.