To start this, I want to say that I do not see Benn as a small forward, which is why I believe this is a dilemma. Both of these players have star potential in my opinion. The question is whether or not they can get to that level, and who starts.
Recency bias will probably have you choosing Nembhard. He averaged 15/6/3 in our playoff run. He had some crazy games vs. the Celtics, dropping 32 and 24 points in our two games without Haliburton. He looked like a legitimate threat out there. This has people looking at him as a potential all star, and that top 50 player we’re looking for. He’s a much better defender than Mathurin.
However, let’s not forget how good of a scorer Mathurin is. He can get to the rim and shoot the three a lot better than Nembhard in my opinion. In his first season, he averaged 17 PPG. Unfortunately, he did not
take the leap we wanted him to, with his PPG going down nearly 3 points. However, he had many great games where he took over. The Celtics and Raptors games come to mind. I think that he could take another leap this season.
Ultimately, I think Nembhard is going to be in here for the long haul and Mathurin will
become fed up with the sixth man role. He has said that he wants to be starting for this team, and unfortunately I just don’t think that’s ever going to happen. Nembhard is the much better defender and passer. If Nembhard’s scoring takes a leap this season, then I think Benn’s future with us will be in jeopardy.
What are your thoughts?
6 comments
I’m always a believer you can never have too much talent, especially young talent.
Ben may turn out to be a great player but whether he starts or not is irrelevant in my opinion, I believe it comes down to who is in the game at the end, when it matters. Think Iguodala on the warriors.
Benny
Nesmith is also in the discussion. At some point we need a real wing to play the 3 and let Nesmith play his natural position. Hopefully we have one in Walker or Furphy. Will be a good battle the next two seasons between Mathurin, Nemby and Nesmith.
Neither is going to be a star but they will both have long great NBA careers. Whether that is here or somewhere else is TBD. I think Nembhard is probably at the peak of his skill. I don’t think mathurin has even scraped the surface of his skills yet.
Benn needs to get better on defense and figure out how to be effective off the ball. This is possible.
Andrew needs to be four inches taller. This is not possible.
I’m rooting for both, but if I’m betting on one being a top tier guard for us, I’m picking Benn.
I love them both.
Nembhard absolutely surprised me last year… I bought league pass and watched most of the games and the word that comes to mind is reliable. He feels nba ready and any time he puts a shot up I’m excited.
Mathurin has potential to be a walking highlight reel. His athleticism is fun to watch and Pacers havent had someone like him in a long time (someone that can get tough and force their way to the paint or foul line). That said, half the time he just seems nervous or something to me. You know that feeling when you haven’t hooped for a while and the ball feels foreign and you just can’t get coordinated? I feel like that’s what I’m watching a lot. But then he will drop 20 outta nowhere and look like a star.
Nembhard is my bet I guess. But I hope we can keep them both long term for different things. Regardless, I am SO pumped to watch this pacers team grow together. And at this point I honestly hope we stop accepting trades and just let the current team mesh. Bright future ahead