Projected Indiana Pacers Starting Backcourt Features Andrew Nembhard at Point Guard and Bennedict Mathurin at Shooting Guard.
The Indiana Pacers are entering a new chapter in their ongoing evolution as an NBA franchise, and a significant part of that story centers on the projected starting backcourt of Andrew Nembhard at point guard and Bennedict Mathurin at shooting guard. This pairing represents not just a shift in on-court responsibilities but also a broader strategic statement about the team’s direction. In a league where guard play has become increasingly central to success, Indiana is betting on two young, talented, and hungry players to guide them through the next stage of their competitive aspirations.
Andrew Nembhard, the poised and cerebral floor general, is stepping into the point guard role with a combination of maturity, court vision, and defensive awareness that belies his relative youth in the league. From the moment he was drafted, Nembhard has been viewed as a player with an unusually high basketball IQ. His ability to run an offense, read defensive coverages, and make the right pass under pressure sets him apart from many young guards. In a system that values ball movement, spacing, and unselfish play, his skill set fits seamlessly. The Pacers’ coaching staff has been increasingly vocal about their trust in Nembhard to orchestrate the offense, initiate sets, and ensure the team maintains rhythm throughout games.
His emergence as a starting point guard also speaks to his adaptability. Over the past seasons, Nembhard has been tasked with playing both on and off the ball, often sharing the backcourt with ball-dominant guards. This flexibility allowed him to gain experience in multiple roles—sometimes as a scorer, other times as a facilitator, and occasionally as a defensive stopper on the opponent’s primary guard. Now, as the lead floor general, the challenge will be different: he must balance orchestrating the offense while knowing when to attack himself.
Bennedict Mathurin, on the other hand, represents the raw scoring punch, athleticism, and flair that can ignite both the team and the crowd. Drafted with high expectations, Mathurin quickly established himself as a fearless offensive weapon. His ability to attack the basket with force, shoot from deep, and create his own shot in isolation situations has given the Pacers a dynamic weapon on the wing. He thrives in transition, where his speed and finishing ability can put constant pressure on defenses, but he has also shown steady improvement in half-court situations.
What makes Mathurin’s role especially intriguing is how it complements Nembhard’s style. While Nembhard is deliberate, methodical, and calculated, Mathurin brings explosiveness, unpredictability, and a willingness to take big shots in big moments. This blend of control and aggression has the potential to create a backcourt that can adapt to any pace or style of play. If the game slows down, Nembhard can dissect defenses and find the right look. If the Pacers need a burst of energy or quick scoring run, Mathurin can shift into attack mode and change the momentum.
Chemistry between a team’s starting guards is often the difference between a functional offense and an elite one. The early signs suggest that Nembhard and Mathurin are developing a good feel for each other’s tendencies. Nembhard’s willingness to push the ball ahead in transition pairs well with Mathurin’s knack for getting out on the break. In half-court situations, Nembhard’s drive-and-kick game can open up catch-and-shoot opportunities for Mathurin, while Mathurin’s ability to draw defensive attention can create cutting lanes and open looks for his backcourt mate.
Defensively, the pairing offers both promise and challenges. Nembhard has already developed a reputation as a disciplined and capable on-ball defender who can stay in front of quick guards and navigate screens effectively. Mathurin, still improving on this end, has the athletic tools to become a solid defender but will need to continue refining his technique and awareness. Together, they have the potential to be a backcourt that doesn’t just score but also sets a tone defensively—something that has been an emphasis for head coach Rick Carlisle in building a more complete and competitive roster.
One of the critical aspects of this backcourt’s success will be how they integrate with the rest of the Pacers’ core. Indiana’s frontcourt, bolstered by versatile big men who can both score and facilitate, offers unique opportunities for guard play. The presence of players who can stretch the floor or operate as playmaking hubs from the high post will allow Nembhard and Mathurin to operate in more space, making their drives and cuts more effective. Moreover, the Pacers’ wing depth means that both guards can play with lineups that emphasize different strengths—some more defensively focused, others more offensively explosive.
It’s also worth noting the broader context in which this backcourt is forming. The Pacers are in a transitional phase, looking to establish themselves as a consistent playoff presence in a competitive Eastern Conference. In a conference featuring backcourts like Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton in Milwaukee, Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo in New York, and Trae Young and Dejounte Murray in Atlanta, the need for reliable guard play is paramount. Nembhard and Mathurin don’t just have to develop individually—they have to grow into a duo that can hold its own against some of the league’s most talented tandems.
From a development standpoint, the 2025 season could be pivotal. Nembhard will be expected to expand his scoring repertoire, becoming more of a threat from beyond the arc and more aggressive in attacking mismatches. For Mathurin, the emphasis will be on efficiency—improving his shot selection, refining his decision-making when defenses collapse on him, and becoming more consistent in his perimeter shooting. Both players will also need to sharpen their pick-and-roll chemistry, as this action is likely to be a central part of Indiana’s offense.
Off the court, leadership and maturity will be under the microscope. While neither player is a seasoned veteran, they will be tasked with setting a tone for the rest of the roster. Their energy, preparation habits, and communication will be essential in building a cohesive team identity. The Pacers have a history of fostering a strong, team-first culture, and how Nembhard and Mathurin embrace these values will play a large role in their success.
There’s also an intangible element to this pairing that shouldn’t be overlooked: both players carry a certain competitive edge and self-belief. Nembhard’s calm under pressure and Mathurin’s fearless approach to attacking defenders can inspire confidence in teammates. When young players carry themselves with poise and determination, it can ripple through the locker room and influence team morale in a positive way.
For fans, the excitement is palpable. This backcourt represents something fresh—a combination of youth, skill, and potential that feels like it could be the backbone of the franchise for years to come. While there will inevitably be growing pains as both players adjust to new responsibilities and heightened expectations, there’s a sense that this is a pairing worth investing in. The ups and downs of a long season will test their resilience, but each challenge will also present an opportunity for growth.
Looking ahead, the Pacers’ coaching staff will likely experiment with different ways to maximize their backcourt’s effectiveness. This could include running more off-ball actions for Mathurin to get him open looks without always relying on isolation, or incorporating more dribble-handoffs and two-man game sequences between Nembhard and the team’s big men to keep defenses guessing. Defensively, they may use Nembhard’s discipline to guard opposing point guards while leveraging Mathurin’s length and athleticism against bigger wings.
Ultimately, the success of this projected starting backcourt will come down to a blend of individual improvement, mutual understanding, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of an NBA season. The Pacers are making a bet on their youth, trusting that the experience gained now will pay off in the seasons to come. If Nembhard can cement himself as a steady, reliable leader and Mathurin can continue developing into a high-level scorer, Indiana may have the foundation of one of the more exciting young backcourts in the league.
The journey for Nembhard and Mathurin is just beginning, but the potential is undeniable. The skills are there, the opportunity is clear, and the stakes are high. For a franchise looking to carve out its place in a stacked conference, the rise of its young backcourt could be the storyline that defines not just the season ahead, but the team’s trajectory for years to come. If the pieces fall into place, Indiana’s guard play could go from a question mark to a definitive strength—and in today’s NBA, that’s often the first step toward sustained success.
