It's a very small sample size, but Andrew Nembhard has not looked good as the Indiana Pacers' primary point guard this season.
In his first three games of the season, the Canadian native averaged 13.3 points on 29.3% shooting from the field and 19% from deep, 6.3 assists, 1 rebound, and 2.3 turnovers. He did suffer a shoulder injury on opening night that sidelined him for a couple of weeks, which has certainly played a role in his slow start. Even so, Nembhard is leaving a lot to be desired on the court.
Only time will tell what comes of Nembhard's season the rest of the way. He will never be Indiana's main point guard once Tyrese Haliburton returns from his Achilles injury, but that doesn't mean he's not going to remain a crucial part in the team's success. If he can take that next step this season as an even better playmaker and facilitator, that will do wonders for the Pacers' long-term outlook.
However, if he continues to struggle the way he has so far, then it might be time for different conversations. Regardless, Nembhard is far from Indiana's only problem. And no matter what, the team cannot give up on the Gonzaga alum.
Everything has been off for the Pacers this season
This was always going to be a bit of a whacky season for Indiana.
Haliburton's out for the season, they don't have Myles Turner on the roster for the first time in a decade, and just about everybody is taking on a different role. The Pacers' roster turnover wasn't too bad in the offseason, but this is still a wildly different team than the one that just made it to Game 7 of the NBA Finals. And all the injuries they have dealt with so far haven't helped either.
To begin the season, the Pacers are 1-9 and stand as the No. 14 seed in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, their 103.4 offensive rating is the worst in the NBA. Given that their offense has been their most successful unit for years, this is a big shock.
A lot of this is just growing pains of everybody having to take it up another level, mixed with injuries. It was always going to take a little bit for the team to find its groove. But early on, there are reasons to be concerned that that may not happen at all this season (although that might not be the worst thing in the world for the Pacers).
Regardless of what happens this season, the future is bright in Indiana, and another deep playoff run could happen sooner rather than later.
As the Pacers look to eventually re-establish themselves as title contenders, it is crucial that they continue to rely on what has worked for them. And this especially includes the Haliburton-Nembhard backcourt.
Both players complement each other incredibly well as the offensive and defensive engines in Indiana, respectively. Plus, they are both still just 25 years old and should be a great tandem for years to come.
There is a lot of uncertainty in Indiana at the moment. But even so, fans should feel confident that the Pacers can make their presence felt in the NBA soon enough. For them to do so, though, they need to keep Nembhard around. No matter what.