4 Young players the Pacers should develop, 2 to give up on
By Tyler Watts
Develop: Bennedict Mathurin
The 6’6 wing saw his minutes and production dip in his second NBA season before he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in March. Mathurin is expected to be fully healthy for training camp, but what should fans expect in year three?
The 22-year-old will be a bucket off the bench. He hopes to prove his 3-point shooting improvements are here to stay. The sixth overall pick in 2022 made 37.4 percent from long-range last season after connecting on just 32.3 percent as a rookie. If he can consistently make threes, it takes his game to another level.
Mathurin’s defense has been problematic in his first two years. The 6’6 wing has the size and athletic ability but must significantly improve on this end of the floor. Indiana needs him to give a larger commitment and to play better within the scheme if he wants to play 30-plus minutes every night.
He is only 22 and years away from his peak. Not many rookies can drop 16.7 points in 28.5 minutes per game. There is plenty of potential. Bennedict Mathurin is trying to realize the upside that saw him get drafted over Jalen Williams. The Pacers should prioritize his development, especially on the defensive end of the floor.