The Indiana Pacers might be building something special. When the Tyrese Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis trade happened, most saw it as a win for Indy. However, a dramatic increase in their fortunes, not many saw coming. Instead, in a single NBA season, they have gone from middling to a Conference Finals appearance. But, rather than stifle their growth, the front office is going all in on making it a sustained push.
Firstly, the Pascal Siakam trade gave the Pacers a secondary star. As a proven playoff competitor, Siakam brought experience and defense, both in high demand for Indiana. But, since then, the team has made a variety of shrewd moves to keep/bolster the roster. The latest in that cycle was an extension for Andrew Nembhard.
The Andrew Nembhard extension
Beyond Haliburton and Siakam, the Indiana Pacers have an organic core of guys. In Myles Turner, they have a lifer. But, beyond those 3, the team has steadily built its roster through the draft. Further, developing young assets has become a priority for the team and their core of rangy wings is the clear result. In that scheme, the team’s names might feel interchangeable. In essence, they offer very similar results.
However, Andrew Nembhard has been hard at work to separate himself. Guarding the opposition’s best or second-best player, Nembhard has taken a leap defensively, while maintaining his offensive productivity. On a team with the best offense in league history, any defense is hard to come by and incomparably valuable. That is where Andrew shines.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers Updates
His efforts haven’t been for none. He’s become a fan favorite and as his new extension states, management and coaches have taken clear notice as well. The official 3-year, $59 million contract is as much a success story for the Pacers as it is for the two-way wing. The maximum amount he could garner, the team was even ready to negate his $2.2 million team option for next season to kickstart his new contract.
A 31st overall pick from Gonzaga not much came in the way of expectations toward Nembhard. But, through steady improvement, he’s become a valuable part of the team. While not as heralded, he is right in line with Bennedict Mathurin and Aaron Nesmith in the team’s young core.
During this year’s playoffs, in particular, Andrew took a true leap forward. Averaging nearly 15 ppg, his shooting was sensational at 56%, as he gave the team a genuine third scorer. Further, in the non-Hali lineups, he could even serve as a decent playmaker, averaging 5.5 assists throughout the playoff run.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers Updates
After extending him, Siakam, and Obi Toppin, Indiana is ready to keep their names in a quickly competitive Eastern Conference. Leaps from guys like Nembhard are what could take them to the next level. Do you think the Indiana Pacers have enough pieces to become legit contenders?
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