Bennedict Mathurin's offensive impact is no secret, but according to Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, he will likely be tasked with a much bigger role as an on-ball defender next season to make things easier for Andrew Nembhard.
"Asked Carlisle about Mathurin. Says he needs Mathurin to make smart reads, shoot the ball when he's open and move it. Says he'll be asked to guard the ball more this season than he has in part to make life a little bit easier on Andrew Nembhard," Dustin Dopirak wrote on X.
Nembhard has been a fantastic on-ball defender during his time in Indiana, and this was especially noticeable during the team's latest playoff run. However, now that he is set to take on a much bigger role as Indiana's starting point guard following Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury, it is expected that the Canadian native may struggle a bit defensively as he navigates this new role. This is where Mathurin comes in.
The Arizona alum is known for his presence on offense, and rightfully so. He is a fantastic iso scorer who can get hot at any moment. However, he does not provide much value anywhere else on the court.
Given that his future in Indiana is up in the air since he is not a perfect fit in the team's system and is set to hit restricted free agency next summer, this could be a great opportunity for Mathurin to showcase his long-term value. If he can showcase some defensive improvements and prove that he can contribute in other areas besides his scoring, the Pacers may have no choice but to keep the Canadian native around for the long haul.
Bennedict Mathurin can prove his long-term value with Pacers next year
There is a lot to like about Mathurin as a player, especially because of his unique skillset in Indiana. However, the concerns over his long-term fit with the team are valid.
The Pacers rely on fast-paced ball movement and improvisation on offense. Mathurin, however, excels as an iso scorer who can put the ball on the ground. This is less than ideal, especially considering that Indiana has a decision to make on him very soon. However, now that he is expected to take on a bigger defensive role, this may be exactly what he needs to prove that the Pacers can depend on him for the long haul.
If Mathurin can step up in this new role and take some of the pressure off Nembhard defensively, he will prove that he can provide value in multiple ways. Because of this, it could be justifiable for Indiana to keep him around, even given his poor offensive fit.
Next season will be a crucial one for Mathurin as he looks to make his stance with the Pacers crystal clear. There is no doubt that he is a special player. Plus, since he just recently turned 23 years old, he still has a lot of room to grow. However, it remains to be seen whether the Pacers will want to sign him to a new deal, especially if it will move them into the luxury tax.
Mathurin is going to be a crucial player to keep an eye on for the Pacers next season. If he can step up when the team needs him the most, he should be able to cement himself as a long-term contributor in Indiana as the team looks to return to title contention.