The Indiana Pacers are being forced to pivot in the new season, and they will need to call upon everyone in the lineup.
They will also need to make some adjustments to their roster.
According to Legion Hoops, Bennedict Mathurin is going to be a starter for the Pacers in the new season.
For many fans, this feels like a long time coming for Mathurin.
It’s about damn time: Bennedict Mathurin is going to start for the Pacers this season.
My Most Improved Player pick.
(via @C2_Cooper, h/t @Fullcourtpass) pic.twitter.com/kcpzI2VD1T
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 5, 2025
Mathurin just had his best season yet, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Pacers during the regular season.
Some people were disappointed with his output during the playoffs, especially during the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but Mathurin has been steadily proving himself during his first three seasons in the league.
He feels prepared to take the next step and do more, and the Pacers need him to.
They will be without Tyrese Haliburton, of course, who will sit out with his injury.
And the Pacers also lost Myles Turner, who will be having his first season with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Those are two massive voids in the roster, and that means that Mathurin will be needed.
He’s not the only one, and multiple other players will also have to do more in 2025-26.
Expectations for the Pacers will be mixed in the new season.
Although they just went all the way to the NBA Finals, most people agree they will struggle to go that far again because of their roster vacancies.
But maybe players like Mathurin, who have been supporting stars for years, will help them overperform and impress.
The team needs him now more than ever, and Mathurin wants to make Indiana proud.
NEXT: Tyrese Haliburton Has 4-Word Message To New York