Bennedict Mathurin would greatly benefit if the Indiana Pacers change their system with Andrew Nembhard running the point. However, doing so may not give the team the answers they are looking for regarding Mathurin and his long-term fit with the team.
This offseason, the Arizona alum is eligible for a rookie-scale contract extension, but it is looking like the Pacers are not going to give it to him. Instead, they will let him play out next season to showcase his value and prove that he deserves a new contract. Given that he would be a restricted free agent, most of the pressure is on Mathurin himself to perform, especially now that he is expected to be the team's starting shooting guard next season.
There is a lot to like about Mathurin as a player, but he is a questionable fit in Indiana's system, which is why his future with the team is up in the air.
Mathurin is a gifted scorer who has developed in every area of his game since joining the league. However, the Pacers rely on running a fast-paced offense with a lot of ball movement and improvisation, which does not at all play to Mathurin's strengths. As Indiana looks to remain a legitimate title contender, the team will need to put together the best possible team to work in their system, and the Canadian native may not be a part of that, regardless of how he performs in his new role.
Indiana changing their offensive style may not help Bennedict Mathurin in the end
With Nembhard running the point next season, the Pacers are expected to change their offensive style and run a more traditional offense in the half-court. This is great news for Mathurin, who should now have more opportunities to play his game, put the ball on the floor, and further showcase his talents as an iso scorer.
However, this offensive shift is only going to last for a season until Tyrese Haliburton returns, and it could be right back to square one for Mathurin.
It would be a great sign for the Pacers if Mathurin performs well with Nembhard at the point. Or, at the very least, it can't hurt him or the team. The Pacers are still looking to remain competitive next season, and if the 23-year-old can step up when the team needs him to and put them in a good position, this should only bode well for him. However, it may not be what the team needs to see to commit to him for the long run.
Indiana will still likely go right back to their run-and-gun offense once they get Haliburton back, and with the team not expected to rely on this as much next season, it may not give Mathurin the right opportunities to prove that he can be a good fit in the system because he won't be playing in it much, if at all, with Nembhard as the primary point guard.
Stepping up and doing what the team needs of him on offense will be a great first step, but Mathurin also needs to show development in other areas. He is not a great defender or passer, but if he can showcase growth in these skills next season, it would give Indiana more reason to give him another contract, even if he is not the ideal fit.
Mathurin remains one of the top names to keep an eye on for the Pacers next season as he has a lot on the line. He is a talented player with a unique skillset, but his time in Indiana could be running out regardless of what happens next.