Losing Haliburton for an entire season is quite a blow, but Mathurin and Nembhard are going to be one the best backcourts in the NBA, a force to be reckoned with. I say 50+ wins, and a trip to the Eastern conference finals is still very much on the table.
#Pacers #haliburton #NBAon the impact of losing Tyrese Haliburton for a full season and the importance of Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard stepping up for the Indiana Pacers:
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Losing Tyrese Haliburton for the Season: A Major Setback for the Pacers, but an Opportunity for Mathurin and Nembhard to Lead the Future
The Indiana Pacers have suffered a significant blow with the news that star guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire upcoming NBA season due to injury. As the team’s on-court leader, offensive engine, and face of the franchise, Haliburton’s absence drastically alters both the Pacers’ short-term competitiveness and their long-term developmental trajectory. However, with challenge comes opportunity. In Haliburton’s absence, the growth of second-year guard Bennedict Mathurin and third-year playmaker Andrew Nembhard becomes paramount—not just to salvage the coming season, but to fortify Indiana’s foundation for the future.
Haliburton’s Absence: A Franchise-Altering Blow
Since arriving in Indiana via trade from Sacramento, Tyrese Haliburton has been nothing short of transformative. In the 2023–24 season, he averaged 20.1 points and 10.9 assists per game, earning his second All-Star selection and firmly establishing himself as one of the league’s premier young guards. His playmaking, shooting, and unselfish leadership elevated the Pacers into a playoff-caliber team and injected life into a franchise in transition.
Losing him for an entire season will inevitably hinder Indiana’s offensive fluidity and identity. Haliburton’s high basketball IQ and elite court vision made everyone around him better. He was the primary initiator in Rick Carlisle’s offense, a system designed around pace, space, and movement. Without him, the Pacers not only lose their top scorer and facilitator but also their most trusted late-game decision-maker.
The immediate question becomes: how do the Pacers replace a player who orchestrated nearly every meaningful possession?
Opportunity Knocks for Bennedict Mathurin
In his rookie season, Bennedict Mathurin quickly proved he belonged. The sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft showcased elite athleticism, confident scoring ability, and a fearless mentality that endeared him to fans and teammates alike. Averaging 16.7 points per game in 2022–23 and building on that in his sophomore campaign, Mathurin is a cornerstone talent with All-Star potential.
With Haliburton sidelined, Mathurin will likely become the team’s primary offensive option. This responsibility comes with greater pressure, but also the opportunity to fast-track his development into a true two-way star. He’ll need to improve as a ball-handler and decision-maker, especially in pick-and-roll situations. His shot selection—at times erratic in his early career—must become more disciplined.
Additionally, Mathurin must take a leap on the defensive end. Though his size and strength give him the tools to be an impactful defender, his on-ball discipline and off-ball awareness remain inconsistent. With a larger role comes more minutes, and for Mathurin to truly emerge as a franchise cornerstone, he must evolve into a two-way player who impacts winning beyond scoring.
The silver lining is that he’ll now have the chance to experiment, lead, and learn through experience. Without Haliburton dominating possessions, the coaching staff can tailor offensive schemes to Mathurin’s strengths, giving him the green light to create and explore new layers of his game.
Andrew Nembhard: From Role Player to Lead Guard?
Andrew Nembhard has already exceeded expectations since being drafted 31st overall in 2022. Known for his poise, court vision, and defensive grit, the former Gonzaga standout quickly carved out a significant role for Indiana. Last season, he averaged 9.2 points and 4.1 assists per game while often taking on tough defensive assignments and running the second unit with composure.
With Haliburton out, Nembhard is likely to become the team’s starting point guard—a role that demands not only skill but leadership. While he may lack the flash and elite athleticism of other young guards, Nembhard makes up for it with basketball IQ, control, and the ability to manage pace. This season will test whether he can make the jump from reliable backup to full-time floor general.
He’ll need to become more aggressive as a scorer and develop a more consistent three-point shot to keep defenses honest. In Haliburton’s absence, opposing teams may pressure him to beat them off the dribble, knowing the playmaking burden is heavier on his shoulders. How Nembhard handles increased defensive attention will be a major storyline.
If he rises to the challenge, Indiana could find itself with a legitimate long-term backcourt pairing. Nembhard’s calm demeanor and facilitating style complement Mathurin’s aggressive scoring approach, offering balance in the absence of Haliburton’s all-around brilliance.
Team Implications and Long-Term Vision
While the loss of Haliburton makes a deep playoff run highly unlikely, the Pacers can still have a productive season—albeit in a different way. This is a prime opportunity to prioritize development, experiment with lineups, and evaluate the roster’s young core in more demanding roles. In addition to Mathurin and Nembhard, players like Jarace Walker, Ben Sheppard, and Isaiah Jackson may see expanded responsibilities.
Coach Rick Carlisle, a veteran strategist, will need to adjust his offensive system to fit this new reality. Without a high-level pick-and-roll engine, the Pacers might rely more heavily on ball movement, motion offense, and a collective approach to shot creation. Carlisle’s track record with young guards is strong, and his mentorship will be crucial in accelerating Mathurin and Nembhard’s development.
Indiana’s front office should also use this season to clarify its long-term direction. With a talented, youthful core, and potentially high draft capital if the team struggles, this could be a reset year that propels the Pacers toward sustainable success. If Mathurin and Nembhard prove they can lead without Haliburton, it gives Indiana flexibility in building around a trio of versatile, high-upside guards.
A Season of Growth in the Face of Adversity
Losing a star like Tyrese Haliburton for an entire season is undeniably painful, but it doesn’t have to be a wasted year. For the Pacers, this could be a formative season—a campaign that tests their young talent, builds resilience, and lays the groundwork for future success.
Bennedict Mathurin has the tools to become a 20+ point-per-game scorer and two-way wing. Andrew Nembhard has the instincts to be a starting-caliber point guard in the NBA. Together, they represent Indiana’s best hope to stay afloat in a loaded Eastern Conference—and their progress could shape the Pacers’ trajectory for years to come.
The road ahead will be tough, but it’s also ripe with possibility. Sometimes, adversity accelerates growth. For the Pacers, 2025 may well be remembered not just as the year they lost their star—but the year they discovered the full potential of their future.
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