Change is in the air for the Indiana Pacers, and it’s coming with a strong sense of purpose. Head coach Rick Carlisle has made it official: Bennedict Mathurin is stepping into the starting lineup. In a recent conversation with Caitlin Cooper, Carlisle confirmed the promotion, making it clear that the organization is ready to invest heavily in the development of its young star. This move signals a new direction for the Pacers — one that puts trust in Mathurin’s growth and showcases the team’s belief in his ability to lead on the court.
A shift is taking place in Indiana that could define the future of the franchise for years to come. It’s not just about a lineup adjustment, or simply rewarding a promising player with a promotion — it’s about the symbolic passing of the torch from a team in transition to a team with a clearer identity, one that is embracing youth, potential, and a hunger to compete on a higher level. Head coach Rick Carlisle, a respected veteran in the NBA coaching world, has made the message unmistakably clear: Bennedict Mathurin is ready to lead, and the Indiana Pacers are ready to give him the platform to do it.
In a revealing interview with Pacers writer Caitlin Cooper, Carlisle confirmed that Mathurin will be moving into the starting lineup. While this may have seemed inevitable to those who have watched Mathurin closely since he entered the league, the confirmation carries weight. It represents more than just a basketball decision. It’s a statement of belief — a belief in talent, in work ethic, in trajectory, and in what this young player can bring to the team, not just this season but well into the future.
Mathurin’s elevation to the starting five comes at a pivotal time for the Pacers. The team has been working to redefine itself in recent seasons, building a competitive core around star guard Tyrese Haliburton, acquiring young assets, and embracing a faster-paced, modern style of play. Carlisle has been tasked with guiding that evolution, balancing development with results, and navigating the tricky middle ground of nurturing youth while trying to win. Now, by installing Mathurin as a starter, he’s making it known that the Pacers are ready to trust one of their most promising players with a more significant role.
The decision isn’t surprising when you consider the flashes of brilliance Mathurin has already shown. Selected sixth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, the former Arizona Wildcat made an immediate impact in his rookie season. He burst onto the scene with scoring outbursts that turned heads around the league, combining fearlessness with explosiveness and a scorer’s mentality that few rookies possess. Even off the bench, Mathurin proved he could carry stretches of the offense, attacking the rim with aggression, knocking down tough jumpers, and showing an ability to get to the free-throw line — traits that are essential for high-level scorers in today’s game.
But beyond the raw numbers and highlight plays, what stood out most was Mathurin’s attitude. There’s a certain edge to his game, a competitive fire that doesn’t waver whether he’s playing 10 minutes or 35. That kind of mentality is hard to teach. It comes from within. Carlisle saw that. The front office saw that. The fan base felt it. And now, the organization is responding by giving him more responsibility, trusting that he’s not only ready to handle it but that he’s hungry for it.
Carlisle’s coaching philosophy has always emphasized accountability, adaptability, and effort. For a young player to earn his trust, they need to show more than flashes — they need to demonstrate consistency in their approach to the game, a willingness to grow, and a commitment to playing the right way. Mathurin appears to have done exactly that. According to reports from training camp and offseason workouts, he has made strides in areas that were previously viewed as weaknesses — decision-making, off-ball movement, and defense. These improvements were likely key factors in Carlisle’s decision.
Starting in the NBA comes with its own challenges. It’s a different rhythm, a different intensity. You’re often going up against the opponent’s best players right from tip-off. You’re asked to set the tone, not just fit in. For Mathurin, this promotion will be a chance to elevate his game on both ends of the floor. It will demand more maturity, more focus, and more leadership. But given what he’s already shown in his brief time in the league, there’s every reason to believe he’s up to the task.
The ripple effects of this decision extend beyond Mathurin himself. For the Pacers, it signals a more aggressive approach toward developing their young core. By giving Mathurin a starting role, the team is creating space for a more dynamic offensive attack, one where he can complement Haliburton, stretch the floor, and take on more responsibility as a playmaker. It also forces other teams to game-plan for him in a different way. Defenders can no longer relax when he’s on the floor. They’ll have to deal with his relentless drives, his physicality, and his scoring ability right from the opening possession.
There’s also the chemistry factor. Haliburton and Mathurin represent the potential future backcourt of the Pacers, and allowing them to build that connection in real time, against starting-caliber defenses, will be essential in shaping the team’s long-term ceiling. They bring different strengths to the table — Haliburton is a visionary passer and floor general, while Mathurin is more of a slashing, aggressive scorer. Together, they could form one of the most exciting young duos in the league, provided they’re given time to develop and learn how to complement each other’s games.
Carlisle has not been one to hand out roles lightly. Throughout his coaching career, he’s been known for making players earn their minutes. That makes this announcement even more meaningful. It says that Mathurin didn’t just get here on potential or draft status — he earned his spot through work, through focus, and through progress. For any young player, that kind of validation from a coach with Carlisle’s pedigree is significant. It reinforces the idea that development is a two-way street. The team provides the tools and opportunity, and the player has to seize it.
As for Mathurin, the opportunity ahead of him is massive. This is his moment to show not just what he can do with the ball in his hands, but how he can impact winning in other ways — by defending with purpose, communicating with teammates, making the extra pass, and being locked in on both ends of the floor. If he can embrace those responsibilities, he won’t just be a starter — he’ll be a foundational piece of a rising team with playoff aspirations.
And make no mistake, the Pacers are thinking playoffs. With Haliburton’s continued rise, the development of players like Andrew Nembhard, Jarace Walker, and Isaiah Jackson, and the presence of veterans who can stabilize the rotation, Indiana has a roster that’s trending in the right direction. Adding Mathurin into the starting unit could be the move that unlocks a new level of pace, versatility, and scoring punch.
Of course, there will be growing pains. No young player makes the leap without facing adversity. Defenses will key in on Mathurin more than ever. He’ll be asked to adapt to new matchups, new expectations, and new pressures. But that’s part of the process. The Pacers aren’t looking for perfection — they’re looking for growth. They’re looking for a player who will take the challenge head-on, learn from mistakes, and come back sharper the next time.
That’s the essence of what Carlisle is doing here. He’s not just making a change to the rotation. He’s setting the tone for the next chapter of Pacers basketball. A chapter built on internal development, accountability, and fearless play. A chapter in which Bennedict Mathurin plays a leading role.
Indiana has seen its fair share of stars over the years, from Reggie Miller to Paul George to Victor Oladipo. Each era came with its own identity, its own moments of hope and heartbreak. Now, the Pacers are looking to craft a new identity — one centered on a young, driven, and talented core that isn’t afraid of the spotlight. Mathurin’s promotion to the starting lineup is one of the first concrete steps in that direction.
It’s a risk, yes, but it’s a calculated one. And if Mathurin continues on the trajectory he’s shown so far, it could be one of the most rewarding decisions the franchise has made in recent memory.
The future isn’t promised in the NBA, but it can be shaped by decisions like this — by believing in the right players, at the right time, and giving them the stage to shine. The Pacers are doing exactly that. And Bennedict Mathurin is ready to step into the light.
