With Tyrese Haliburton on the shelf next season, the Indiana Pacers will rely much more heavily on Andrew Nembhard, who could be in line for a major breakout offensively. The Canadian native has always been a great fit in Indiana, but now, he will have an opportunity to utilize him even better and allow him to reach his potential.
Recently, NBA analyst Tim Legler spoke about how he feels that the Pacers did not always use Nembhard properly on offense. However, with an expanded role, that should change next season (h/t The ALL NBA Podcast).
"I actually think there were times they didn't use [Andrew Nembhard] well enough offensively in the past couple years. I think he takes the leap," Legler said.
With Nembhard running the show next year, the Pacers' offense will likely look completely different. Instead of running the fast-paced, run-and-gun system they have been able to with Haliburton, they will likely utilize more half-court sets and play a more traditional offensive game. Regardless, Nembhard should be in for a fantastic season, and he will be able to show the basketball world exactly what he is capable of.
Andrew Nembhard is crucial to the Pacers' success next season
Nembhard has stepped up in big ways for the Pacers multiple times throughout his tenure with the team so far. This was especially notable during the team's last two playoff appearances. However, he has never been able to run the point full-time. He will finally have that opportunity next season, and what he makes of it should determine Indiana's success.
In addition to their star guard being out for all of next season, the Pacers also have to find a solution to their center problems. Long-time big man Myles Turner left the team earlier this offseason to join the Milwaukee Bucks. With him no longer on the roster, the Pacers are expected to go through their fair share of ups and downs while navigating life without him. Because of this, it is widely expected that Indiana is in for a gap year, where competing is not necessarily the biggest goal.
The one thing the Pacers have made clear over the past couple of years, however, is that they do not back down. They do not give up, and they are among the most resilient teams in the NBA. The Pacers are likely going to look at next season no differently, and their main goal will be to return to the NBA Finals and avenge last season's loss.
It will be incredibly difficult for them to make it happen, but it is not entirely impossible for the Pacers to make another deep playoff run next season. In order for them to do so, however, they need Nembhard to take that next step, which many believe he should be able to do.
The Gonzaga alum has been a fantastic complementary piece in Indiana for a while, but now it is time for him to take the reins for a season. As it stands, the Pacers are likely still a playoff team, especially in a wide-open Eastern Conference. However, it is fair to assume they are looking for much more than that. Instead, the Pacers are looking to shock the basketball world once again--only this time, it is going to be with Nembhard running the show.