Representing Team Canada, Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard left a lot to be desired after his team's first two games of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Against Greece and Australia, Nembhard recorded a combined seven points on 2-for-7 shooting from the field, five rebounds, two assists, and five turnovers.
However, in an 88-85 win against Spain, Nembhard scored 18 points while shooting 8-or-10 from the field, including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. Only Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored more with a 20-point performance. Additionally, the Pacers guard recorded a rebound, two assists, and a steal.
Nembhard flew under the radar for much of his first two seasons in the NBA. However, for the last couple of months, the Canadian native has made it clear that he deserves to be talked about a lot more. In addition to his latest game, Nembhard played fantastic for the Pacers during their Eastern Conference Finals run, averaging 14.9 points while shooting 56% from the field throughout the run.
Gilgeous-Alexander, Team Canada's top star, said after the game that he "didn't know was this good."
"I would say the same thing. I knew he was good, obviously. Didn't know he was this good," Shai smiled. "He's a really talented player, he works hard. Super poised, can pass, can do a lot of things on the basketball court to hurt you. Whatever team has him, it's lucky to have him."
However, the 2024 NBA MVP candidate was just one of many who recognized Nembhard's impact on the court.
The basketball world praises Andrew Nembhard's emergence in the 2024 Paris Olympics
After his impressive performance, many fans and basketball personalities took to social media to praise Nembhard. This includes the Pacers on their official X account, who reminded the basketball world that they extended Nembhard's contract exactly one week before his breakout performance in the Olympics.
one week ago we signed Andrew Nembhard to a contract extension 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZDPVu9mauE
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) August 2, 2024
Toronto Raptors beat writer Josh Lewenberg went to X to break down Team Canada's victory over Spain. Raptors forward RJ Barrett has played amazing for the team the entire showcase, and that did not change in their recent victory. However, Lewenberg acknowledged that Nembhard "was arguably best player" against Spain.
RJ Barrett, who hit the dagger for Canada today, has 63 points through 3 games, the most by a Canadian to start the Olympics since Bernard Pickell in 1956.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) August 2, 2024
At 24, he’s the youngest player on the team. The 2nd-youngest, Andrew Nembhard, was arguably its best player today (18 pts)
Additionally, Esfandiar Baraheni, another Raptors writer for Forbes, praised Nembhard for his offensive display and "awesome level of confidence."
This was the type of game that I was waiting for from Andrew Nembhard. Felt inevitable but knew he was capable of being this decisive as a scorer. Was really impressed by his decision-making and shotmaking. Displayed an awesome level of confidence.
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) August 2, 2024
Caitlin Cooper, well-respected Pacers writer, also took to X to speak about the 24-year-old's game against Spain.
Easily Nembhard's best game. Nearly led Canada in scoring w/ some tough finishes, made multiple threes, including some off movement, & played himself into the closing lineup finding cracks and showing the value he brings when the lead guard is being face-guarded. Terrific.
— Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper) August 2, 2024
Furthermore, the official Instagram account for Team Canada posted about Nembhard after his performance and said "he was born for this."
After his game against Spain, Nembhard has the whole world buzzing. However, only time will tell if he can help Team Canada bring home a gold medal this summer.