Monday has come and gone, and the Indiana Pacers did not sign Bennedict Mathurin to a new contract. Because of this, the Canadian native is no longer eligible for a contract extension, and he is likely set to hit restricted free agency next summer.
This move does not come as too much of a surprise. It was always expected that Indiana, in an attempt to remain under the luxury tax threshold, would opt not to give Mathurin a new deal. At least not yet.
Instead, the Pacers sent a big message to Mathurin with this decision: he has to prove his worth this season to ensure his long-term future with the team.
The Pacers' season will begin on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder in an NBA Finals rematch. This will give fans their first look at the team as they look to navigate through life without Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.
There will be plenty of players for fans to keep an eye on. However, Mathurin may be the most important one of all as he looks to establish himself as a long-term asset for a Pacers team looking to make some noise this season.
Bennedict Mathurin should be a long-term contributor in Indiana
Mathurin is a great player, and the Pacers know that.
He is an exceptional iso scorer, and when he gets hot, he is virtually unstoppable. This was especially noticeable during his performance against the San Antonio Spurs in preseason. Mathurin scored 27 points on 9-for-9 shooting, including 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. He ended the game with 31 points on 11-for-12 shooting.
Additionally, in three seasons, he is averaging 15.9 points while shooting 44.6% from the field and 34.2% from behind the line, all mostly in a bench role.
Nobody is doubting Mathurin's talents. However, what people are doubting is whether he can be a viable long-term piece for the team given his playstyle.
Mathurin is tremendous with the ball in his hands. He can create his own shots, which the Pacers will need to rely on without Haliburton this season. However, Indiana's offensive system emphasizes pushing the tempo, ball movement, and making quick decisions.
Because of his isolation style, this does not exactly play to Mathurin's strengths.
Additionally, the Arizona alum does not provide enough value on defense or as a passer to justify the Pacers giving him a contract that could put them in the luxury tax threshold.
Still, Mathurin is just 23 years old and should only continue to develop from here. There are reasons to believe he has All-Star talent, if not more, and the Pacers would greatly benefit from him reaching his full potential with them.
For this to happen, though, they need to see what Mathurin can do in an expanded role. Fortunately for him, they will get their answer this season.
Mathurin is projected to be Indiana's starting shooting guard this season with Andrew Nembhard running the point. This will give him the opportunities he needs to showcase his offensive value, and maybe even improve in other areas of his game.
In August, head coach Rick Carlisle pinpointed exactly what he wants to see out of his new starting shooting guard this season. And these improvements could be what saves his career with the team.
"In Benn's case, we need him to be a great runner, a great decision-maker. As a movement guy, he's come lightyears and he really understands, and so this year, with him as a starter on day one, this is his job to lose," Carlisle said.
Mathurin can be a great player, but he needs to prove it this season. The Pacers are looking to remain contenders in the Eastern Conference for the foreseeable future. Their best bet to do so is to keep him around for the long haul.
However, the ball is ultimately in Mathurin's court. And what he does with it could change the trajectory of the Pacers' success for the short and long term.