The Indiana Pacers can learn a lot from this year’s NBA Playoffs. Andrew Nembhard, in particular, should look to take a page out of OG Anunoby’s book. If Indiana wants to make a run at a title, it will need someone to step up on offense, much like Anunoby has for the Knicks. Nembhard seems primed to be that guy.
Nembhard already carried a heavy scoring load in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. He showed that he’s very capable of stepping up to the plate and delivering buckets when the Pacers need him to. And if they want to get back to the promised land and, this time, win a ring, they will need Nembhard to do it all over again (and then some).
He has to be the guy.
Pacers need Andrew Nembhard to be their OG Anunoby
Obviously, the biggest thing Indiana needs in order to get back to the Finals is a healthy Tyrese Haliburton. If he’s not fully healthy, they won’t be able to make a run.
But if Haliburton is healthy, they’ll have a chance. And at that point, the Pacers will need a lot of other things to fall into place if they want a serious chance at winning a championship.
Pascal Siakam will have to be an elite second option. Ivica Zuba will have to mesh well with the team on both ends of the court. Indiana’s depth will have to perform at a high level.
Then, there’s Nembhard. The guy who is clearly Indiana’s best option to be a top scoring option during a playoff run and throughout all of next season in general.
Look at what’s happened to Karl-Anthony Towns at times this postseason. He’s turned into a playmaker, as teams have tried to shut down his scoring. So, Anunoby took on more scoring duties.
He may be on his way to winning a Finals MVP award for the Knicks if they hang on to beat the San Antonio Spurs. He’s scoring at an elite level. That’s what Indiana will need from Nembhard.
They need a guy who can play alongside Haliburton and ease the scoring burden. To make sure the Pacers have another scoring option if Siakam struggles.
Indiana needs Nembhard to be its version of what Anunoby has done for the Knicks this year.
Nembhard showed that he’s capable of that sort of play during the Pacers’ 2025 run to the Finals, and he’ll have to do it all over again next season.
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