Recently, ESPN's Brian Windhorst suggested that the Indiana Pacers may have to choose between Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin, given their financial situation. Nembhard is already extended, which spells trouble for Mathurin, whose future in Indiana is still up in the air (h/t Brian Windhorst of ESPN).
"Interesting thing is, they have extended [Nembhard] and they haven't extended Mathurin...they got them both on the same night, they're both important players for their two playoff runs, but it's possible they may have to pick between the two of them just because of their financial realities, and like I said, they've already extended Nembhard," Windhorst said.
Mathurin is eligible for a rookie-scale contract extension this offseason. However, it seems that the Pacers will choose to let the Arizona alum prove his worth next season instead of giving him a new deal this summer. By making this decision, the Pacers will get a good look at what Mathurin can do in a full-time expanded role. Plus, at the absolute worst, Mathurin will become a restricted free agent next year if Indiana does not extend or trade him before then.
One of the main discussion points regarding the Pacers' offseason this summer was whether they would be willing to pay the luxury tax for the first time in two decades to re-sign Myles Turner and keep their core together. Ultimately, Turner joined the Milwaukee Bucks instead, but the question still remains.
If the Pacers are willing to pay the luxury tax, then there is a good chance Mathurin sticks around the long haul. However, if not, then his days in Indiana may be numbered, especially since Nembhard has already been extended.
There is a lot of pressure on Bennedict Mathurin to perform
If it is true that the Pacers decided between Nembhard and Mathurin, then it is fair to say they made the right call. As great as Mathurin can be, he is not as important to Indiana's success as his fellow Canadian native. Even so, that does not mean he cannot be a valuable piece for the long term. He just has to prove it.
While there is a lot to like about Mathurin's game, the concerns about his fit with the Pacers are valid. The team relies on fast-paced ball movement and improvisation on the offensive side of the ball. Mathurin does not provide much value in these areas. Instead, he is more of an iso scorer and puts the ball on the ground regularly. He is very skilled at what he does, but it can mess with Indiana's pace, creating a problem for the team that does not need to be there.
Additionally, it is not as if Mathurin is a top-tier defender or playmaker. While he has shown massive improvements as a team player, he still might not provide enough value outside of his offensive game to justify keeping him around if he is such a poor fit. However, the 23-year-old's talents are evident, and he provides a unique skillset. The fact that the Pacers are willing to keep him for the long haul despite his fit says a lot.
While he can be streaky at times, Mathurin is a talented player who has stepped up numerous times for the Pacers. With an increased role next season, he will have an opportunity to show more of what he can do at a greater level. Hopefully for him, it will be enough to solidify his future in Indiana as the team looks to remain title contenders.