The Indiana Pacers will turn the keys of the offense over to Andrew Nembhard with Tyrese Haliburton out, and fans will get to see if he becomes a star. Nembhard was Hali’s running mate in the backcourt last season. He played a key role as a secondary creator and defensive stopper as the Pacers went to the NBA Finals. With Haliburton already confirmed to be out for the season, Nembhard will get every chance to reach the next level.
The 25-year-old averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 28.9 minutes per game last season. He took just 8.3 field goal attempts each night and had a 16.3 usage percentage. Hali had a 21.6 usage and dished out 9.2 dimes every game. Those opportunities will fall to Nembhard, and it could create a new version of the difference-maker.
The Pacers are still sorting out who plays next to him, but Nembhard will be the leader of the offense. Fans can’t expect it to be the best in the league like it is under Haliburton, but Nembhard could be in a Jalen Brunson situation where an expanded role leads to a star breakout.
Pacers believe Andrew Nembhard can break out as lead playmaker
Indiana did not add a guard or make a bold trade to fill in for Haliburton. They stood pat and were comfortable turning the offense over to Nembhard.
Fans have seen his playmaking, defense, and offensive game improve since joining the franchise in 2022. The Pacers' offense is built around Haliburton, but Nembhard fits that system. He has Pascal Siakam as his number one scoring option. It is all on the 6’5 guard to set the table and make sure everyone feasts.
Nembhard was on par with Haliburton as a pick-and-roll ball-handler in the playoffs. The Pacers' star produced 1.01 points per possession in those situations, followed directly by Nembhard at 1.00. He only had roughly half the attempts, but Nembhard thrived in Carlisle’s system in the biggest situations.
It would not be shocking to see Nembhard average 15 points, seven assists, nearly five rebounds, and be in the running for the All-Defensive team this season. Those would be borderline All-Star numbers and could make the cut if the Pacers are in the playoff mix.
Nembhard showed an improved off-the-dribble game in the playoffs. That must carry over in a larger role. He will have to call his own number from time to time. If the 6’5 guard is hitting jumpers and forcing the defense to make difficult decisions, the Pacers could surprise this season.
There are questions about how a larger offensive role impacts his defense, but fans should not be concerned. Seeing Nembhard blossom as a playmaker only makes the Pacers more dangerous when Haliburton returns. This is a special group, and Nembhard’s next step will make Indy even more dangerous.
The Indiana Pacers are excited to see if Andrew Nembhard can blossom into a star. They love his potential and need more this season with Tyrese Haliburton out. Can he deliver? It will be fascinating to watch, so stay tuned.