In contrast to what a sweep would suggest, the Indiana Pacers exceeded all expectations during the 2023–24 season, going all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals and even putting up a strong fight against the eventual champion Boston Celtics. It has been rather easy to forget in the process that the Pacers accomplished all of that without the assistance of Bennedict Mathurin, one of their most promising young players.
Mathurin missed the last 19 games of the regular season and all of the Pacers’ 2024 playoff run due to a torn labrum in his right shoulder. This injury also kept the 22-year-old from playing for Team Canada in the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, Mathurin’s recovery is progressing well.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shared that Bennedict Mathurin is “almost cleared for contact,” according to Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star. It’s been over four months since Mathurin’s shoulder surgery, and he is now close to a significant milestone in his recovery, with just over three months remaining before the regular season starts.
The Pacers saw Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, and Andrew Nembhard as guys who are more than capable of taking on larger responsibilities, which is part of the reason they felt comfortable dealing Buddy Hield away.
Mathurin finished the previous season with an average of 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. Despite playing less minutes per game, he was more effective from the field and shown improved playmaking. These are important growth areas for him as he prepares to take on a more prominent position in the Pacers rotation the following year.
How will Bennedict Mathurin fit into the Pacers rotation upon his return?
The Pacers seemed to have found a winning formula in the 2024 NBA playoffs. Andrew Nembhard has established himself as a tenacious perimeter defender and clutch shooter, while Aaron Nesmith has proven his worth with his relentless effort on the court. It wouldn’t be fair to demote them to the bench after their impressive performances last season.
Therefore, Bennedict Mathurin is shaping up to be an excellent sixth man for the Pacers. His ability to score and draw fouls makes him an ideal candidate to lead the offense when Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are resting.
Mathurin will face competition for playing time on the wing. Ben Sheppard, one of the Pacers’ most reliable players in the postseason, has shown promise as a 3-and-D wing. His size and length are assets that appeal to Rick Carlisle and the Pacers’ coaching staff.
Additionally, with Obi Toppin, Isaiah Jackson, and James Wiseman vying for backup big man minutes behind Siakam and Myles Turner, Jarace Walker is being developed as a small forward. Walker’s three-point shooting and 6’8″ frame make him a potential matchup nightmare due to his size and strength.
Regardless, Bennedict Mathurin is expected to have the first shot at the sixth man role alongside TJ McConnell, with a chance to start if he outperforms Nembhard or Nesmith.