If Bennedict Mathurin wants to remain with the Indiana Pacers for the long run, he needs to develop into a better fit with the team, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, at least according to head coach Rick Carlisle.
Recently, Carlisle broke the news that the 23-year-old is expected to be the team's starting shooting guard on day one next season. Alongside Andrew Nembhard in the backcourt, there is a lot of potential for this to work. However, Mathurin's long-term future in Indiana is still in doubt, though Carlisle just revealed exactly how he can move the needle in his direction (h/t Caitlin Cooper on YouTube).
"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.
There is no doubt that Mathurin is talented. He is a gifted scorer, is still incredibly young, and has grown as an overall player greatly throughout his Pacers career. The sky is the limit for him. However, the biggest concern about Mathurin is how well he fits into the team's system.
The Canadian native can put the ball in the basket. There is no question about that. However, he is more of an iso scorer who puts the ball on the floor rather than someone who relies on fast-paced ball movement, which is how Indiana likes to play. The Pacers are such a good team because every player buys into their role and plays incredibly well in their system. Unfortunately for Mathurin, the same cannot be completely said about him.
There are reasons for Mathurin and the Pacers to aim for a long-term commitment with one another. For that to happen, though, Mathurin needs to make some changes that Carlisle has already emphasized.
Next season will be big for Bennedict Mathurin
Now that he is expected to be a full-time starter for a season, Mathurin has a great chance to finally break out and establish himself as a long-term asset for the Pacers.
The Arizona alum is currently eligible for a contract extension, but it seems that the Pacers are not ready to give him a new deal. At least not yet. Instead, it seems like they are going to let Mathurin earn a new contract next season to showcase his talents and prove his worth. This could backfire for Indiana, but so far, it seems like the best move for the team. It gives them another chance to see what Mathurin is all about, as well as what he can do in an expanded role. Additionally, at the worst, he becomes a restricted free agent next summer.
He has gone through his fair share of ups and downs in Indiana, so next season may be make-or-break for Mathurin's career with the team. While he can be streaky and sometimes a negative on the court, there is also a lot to like about his game. He is a fantastic scorer with a skillset unique to the Pacers, and he has regularly come up big numerous times. This was especially true during last season and some of the playoffs.
Mathurin is a great player with a lot of potential, but his long-term outlook with the Pacers is still unclear. Hopefully for him and the team, he makes the changes he needs to in order to prove that he can remain a valuable asset as they look to re-establish themselves as title contenders.