This Andrew Nembhard development should terrify the rest of the league

In his second season in the league last year, Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembard enjoyed a breakout campaign. While his regular season stats were nothing too special, the Canadian native stepped up in a major way in the playoffs. In 17 games, Nembhard averaged 14.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 56% from the field and 48.3% from beyond the arc.

Because of his incredible season last year, many had high hopes for Nembhard after he signed an extension in the offseason. And so far, he has lived up to those expectations. He is a great complementary guard alongside Tyrese Haliburton who is also capable of being a primary ball-handler when necessary.

Perhaps most importantly, Nembhard has always been a solid defender since joining the league. However, he has taken that next step this season, winning the Defensive Player of the Month award for January. Not only is he making a name for himself as a defensive stud, but Nembhard is beginning to prove to the basketball world that the Pacers are now a threat on that side of the ball, which bodes well for their championship contention.

Andrew Nembhard's improved defense makes the Pacers a bigger threat

Nembhard's defensive growth may have hit a new peak during the Pacers' win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night. Heading into the game, the Grizzlies were the highest-scoring offense in the NBA. However, in their loss to Indiana, they scored just 113 points, which is 10 points fewer than their average.

Their engine on offense is point guard Ja Morant, who finished 12th or better in MVP voting in his last two full seasons. Though he is putting together another solid campaign this season, Morant was virtually shut out against the Pacers, largely because of Nembhard.

In the loss, Morant recorded 12 points on 4-for-15 shooting (including 0-for-3 from beyond the arc), six assists, and five turnovers. This was one of Morant's worst games of the season.

Before this season began, many believed the Pacers were one of the worst defensive teams in the league (though this was true for a good portion of the season). However, they have drastically turned it around on that side of the ball and are now one of the most complete teams in basketball.

With Haliburton not being a great defender, Nembhard has a large role to assume in the backcourt, but he has played well regardless. The Pacers remain one of the elite offenses in the league, and their playstyle forces opponents to wear themselves down, making them a tough playoff matchup for anybody. However, now that their defense has improved as much as it has, they are proving that they do not need to rely on a fast-paced offense to win. Given that they are in a good position to go on another deep playoff run, this is a terrifying thought for the rest of the league.