With Tyrese Haliburton on the shelf next season, the expectation was that Andrew Nembhard would take over at the point with Bennedict Mathurin likely sliding into the starting lineup at shooting guard. However, as it stands, it looks like there will be a competition for the starting shooting guard spot, which may not bode well for Mathurin, whose future in Indiana is already in doubt.
Recently, Pacers GM Chad Buchanan gave some insight on the Pacers' starting lineup. In doing so, he confirmed that Nembhard would be the team's starting point guard, but he was far less committal about Mathurin being in the starting lineup (h/t the Setting the Pace podcast).
"I would anticipate a lot of competition in training camp for that. I think you've got a couple of candidates, obviously Bennedict [Mathurin], Ben Sheppard, Aaron [Nesmith], Jarace [Walker], Johnny [Furphy]. Our coaches are believers in rather than this guy being pigeonholed as a two-guard, it's more like we have wings. Obviously, some can do different things, some handle the ball, some shoot it, some defend...We have a little bit different identity, and I think we're gonna have to go through training camp to see who fits best with this group."
Ultimately, like Buchanan says, it is all about seeing which player fits best alongside Nembhard in the starting lineup. There are reasons to think it will be Mathurin anyway, especially if they keep Aaron Nesmith at small forward, but it is fair to hold a competition and see who comes out on top.
The Pacers have shown no indications that they plan on tanking next season, and they will look to remain competitive. However, while this may be in the team's best interest, it might not be in Mathurin's. The Canadian native is eligible for a rookie-scale contract extension, but it does not seem like the team is in any rush to give it to him. As Indiana looks to navigate next year without Haliburton or Myles Turner, they will have a lot of questions to answer. Whether Mathurin is the answer to any of them may determine his long-term future with the team.
The Pacers deserve to give Bennedict Mathurin a big opportunity
Doubting whether Mathurin is a long-term fit for the Pacers is fair. He is not an ideal fit in their offensive system that relies heavily on ball movement, and he does not provide enough value in the other levels of the game to offset that. However, one thing is clear about the Arizona alum: he can play.
While Mathurin may not be completely well-rounded, he has made great strides throughout his career to become more of a team player. Furthermore, he is a fantastic iso scorer and came up big numerous times for the Pacers. This includes some fantastic moments during last season's playoff run, particularly in the NBA Finals.
He is streaky, and he may not be worth whatever contract he demands, but Mathurin is a good enough player to become a long-term asset for the Pacers. Furthermore, he turned 23 years old a little over a month ago and has shown improvements in every season of his career.
While Mathurin has a ton of upside and talent, his Pacers career could be on its last legs, and it all comes down to how he performs next year. If he can win out the starting role and prove he has what it takes to be an impactful player for the long run, the Pacers will have no choice but to keep him around. However, if he can't, he might have to find a new home for himself during the 2026-27 season and beyond.