In his first game back since Jan. 2, Indiana Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin just solidified that he is much more effective as a bench scorer, not as a starter.
The Canadian native returned from an 11-game absence due to a thumb sprain during Monday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. And after starting his first 24 games of the season, Mathurin came off the bench and did his thing.
In 25 minutes off the bench, Mathurin recorded 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting, two rebounds, one assist, and 1 steal. He tied T.J. McConnell for the most bench points for Indiana in the loss.
This has been a rocky season for Mathurin, who is set to hit restricted free agency in the summer. He had a red-hot start to the year, averaging 21.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 44.2% shooting from the field and 39.7% from deep in his first 10 games. However, he came back down to earth, scoring 20 or more points in just four of his next 14 games.
As the Arizona alum looks to establish himself as a long-term asset for the Pacers, how he performs the rest of the way is going to be incredibly important. Fortunately for him, he showed the team exactly what they needed to know on Monday, and it could be a sign of what's to come.
Bennedict Mathurin's long-term role with the Pacers is crystal clear
Mathurin is incredibly talented, and there is a case to be made that he's good enough to start in Indiana. He is a fantastic iso scorer who can create his own shot and is borderline unstoppable when he's hot. Additionally, he has made strides as a defender and passer (though there is still a lot of work to be done).
However, it's becoming increasingly clear that he is better as a microwave off the bench for the Pacers, and that's something the team needs to keep in mind moving forward.
Is Mathurin technically more talented than someone like Aaron Nesmith? Probably. But Nesmith is considered a better fit in Indiana's starting lineup because he has great chemistry with the rest of the starters and doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective. He is a good defender who plays with a lot of energy and is a great shooter off the catch, and he is a fantastic starter for the Pacers.
As for Mathurin, he is the complete opposite. He is most effective when he has the ball in his hands as a bucket-getter who can score at all three levels and drive to the rim. This, however, isn't ideal in a lineup that also features Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and Pascal Siakam, who are all threats with the ball in their hands.
Keeping Mathurin on the bench moving forward is best for both sides. It gives the Pacers another ball-handler and a go-to scorer on the second unit, and this also gives Mathurin more of an opportunity to just play his game and run wild.
It still remains to be seen whether the 23-year-old's future is in Indiana or not (though it should be). But if he does stick around for the long haul, then his role should be painfully obvious.