His shot wasn't falling, but Bennedict Mathurin looked very solid in his debut with the Los Angeles Clippers. And more importantly, he looked good as a defender, rebounder, and playmaker. Given that these shortcomings were a big reason the Indiana Pacers didn't want to commit to him long-term, it looks like the Canadian native could make them regret trading him when it's all said and done.
During the Clippers' loss to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, Mathurin recorded nine points on 4-for-13 shooting, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and zero turnovers. Additionally, he played with a ton of energy and was active in getting the ball back (he did grab three offensive rebounds), and he looked like a well-rounded team player.
Of course, the Pacers were probably right to trade Mathurin at this year's deadline, but only because they specifically got Ivica Zubac back in return. He was the best center on the trade market, and to give something, you have to get something. And given Mathurin's impending restricted free agency status (as well as concerns about his long-term role and fit in Indiana), it was obvious that he was the odd man out.
Regardless, trading Mathurin was a risky move. And the Pacers better hope it doesn't come back to bite them.
Bennedict Mathurin can become a star with the Clippers
Amid all the uncertainties about how Mathurin fits in with the Pacers' fast-paced system, there was never any doubt about his talents.
The Arizona alum is a gifted iso scorer who can get hot in a second. And when he's hot, it's tough to stop him. He can score at all three levels, and he was always a threat to score when he had the ball in his hands.
Mathurin has All-Star-level potential, and trading him before he hits his peak was always going to be a risky move for Indiana. If he can reach the potential that many Pacers fans know he can, Mathurin can become a franchise cornerstone in Los Angeles while his old team might struggle with finding his replacement.
With the 23-year-old no longer on the roster, the Pacers now need to find their next go-to scorer, which could be way more difficult than many expect. They don't technically need to do it this season, given that the trade deadline has passed and they won't be making much noise the rest of the way regardless. But it needs to happen soon if they want to compete for a title next season.
All in all, Pacers fans should be excited about Zubac's arrival and what he brings to the table. But Mathurin already showed that he could've developed into a great fit in Indiana, and the sky is the limit for him.