by Jordan Morey
July 19, 2023
Early in the second quarter of the Pacers’ first Summer League game against the Washington Wizards, second-year Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin issued a mid-telecast apology to ESPN commentators Doris Burke and Mark Jones.
“I gotta go. I’m so sorry,” Mathurin said, lowering his headset microphone and checking in at the scorer’s table.
While humorous, the moment reflected the team’s mentality during their five-game trip to Las Vegas for NBA Summer League: focused.
For returning players, Summer League offers an opportunity for young pros to continue their development while also giving coaches and fans a chance to see improvements made in the offseason.
Mathurin, fellow second-year guard Andrew Nembhard and third-year big Isaiah Jackson all performed at high levels in Summer League action, prompting the Pacers coaching staff to shut the trio down after just two games.
Despite giving a bite-sized sample, the returning Pacers showed encouraging improvements and flashes of high promise heading into the 2023-2024 season.
Mathurin continues to grow
In all reality, Mathurin probably didn’t need to play in the Summer League, given all his rookie season accolades.
But that’s not Mathurin’s style. If he has an opportunity to play, he’ll take it.
In the first Summer League contets against the Wizards, a 91-83 Pacers win, the 21-year-old Canadian logged 27 points on 9-for-21 shooting (6-for-6 free throws) while also pulling down five rebounds in 34 minutes.
Mathurin reminded everyone he’s still beyond his years as a bucket-getter, displaying an ability to get to the rim at an advanced level.
For game two, the coaching staff challenged Mathurin to work on his playmaking abilities, and he did just that.
In an 18-point blowout over the Orlando Magic, Mathurin registered 17 points (8-for-9 free throws) on 4-for-16 shooting to go along with six assists and three rebounds, swinging the ball around the court and helping set his teammates up for high-quality shots both on the perimeter and in the paint.
While many fans were left wanting more Mathurin minutes, he didn’t log another minute after game two.
For the remainder of the offseason, expect Mathurin, the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft from the University of Arizona, to continue working on his all-around game – particularly his defense.
“My goal is to be the best two-way player in this league, and I’m not saying it because it sounds good. I actually mean it,” Mathurin said.
During one of the Summer League broadcasts, Pacers General Manager Chad Buchannan described Mathurin as a “competitive guy who wants to be great.”
Between his established skills and drive for improvement, there’s no doubt the 2023 NBA All-Rookie First Teamer is well on his way to another impactful season in the Blue & Gold.
Nembhard is solid and steady
Early in his 2022-2023 rookie campaign, Nembhard, the 31st overall pick from Gonzaga, made many NBA teams regret passing on him during the draft.
In year two, it’s looking like that narrative will continue.
Nembhard, 23, earned big minutes – starting in 63 games and playing in 75 – in his first year because of his defensive versatility and playmaking capabilities.
In his second year of Summer League action, the 6-foot-5 Aurora, Canada native looked even more comfortable controlling the offense while regularly playing lockdown defense on the opposing team’s best offensive player.
Nembhard – an NBA Rising Star along with Mathurin this past winter – helped the Pacers to a pair of wins before getting shut down.
Nembhard posted 14 points and eight assists against the Wizards in the first game. He followed up with a stat line of 21 points, seven assists and three steals in the win over the Magic.
In both games, Nembhard made the flow of the game look easy at the point – weaving around defenders to get open for a mid-range jump shot or making the right pass to an open teammate in transition. (He also made some improbable, highlight-reel plays, like this pass to Jackson.)
“I just want to support the team,” Nembhard said. “We’re building something good. We have a bunch of young guys.
“… I think it’s going to be a fun group,” he continued. “We’re going to get up and down the court a lot, so it’s going to be fun.”
With Nembhard returning, the Pacers have much to look forward to, as he will likely continue contributing in critical minutes for the Blue & Gold in big games. His ability to play both as a ball handler and off the ball has made him a valuable team member.
“It’s just a comfort level out there with him having the ball,” Pacers Summer League coach Jannero Pargo said of Nembhard. “He makes the right read, makes the right plays, and keeps us settled.”
As for Nembhard’s expectations for the team next season?
“More dubs, more winning,” he said, smiling on the sidelines during game three.
Jackson sharpening skills
During his 2022-2023 campaign with the Blue & Gold, Jackson battled for minutes as the Pacers’ backup center.
If his numbers in the upcoming regular season resemble anything like Summer League, he’ll be hard to get off the court.
Jackson, 6-foot-9, achieved a double-double in both games with the Pacers in Las Vegas.
The University of Kentucky product put up buzzworthy numbers, finishing with 21 points (10-for-12 shooting) and 14 rebounds and three blocks against the Wizards and 13 points (6-for-11 field goals) and 11 rebounds against the Magic.
Despite going into his third season, Jackson is just 21 years old.
In the offseason, Jackson said he has picked up some tips and tricks from his teammates, such as fellow ex-Wildcat Oscar Tshiebwe, who is on a two-way contract with the Pacers, on rebounding. According to his coaches, he has also been a more vocal leader over the summer.
“One thing that I feel good about is sort of helping the younger guys,” Jackson said. “I came in, and I’ve sort of been that leader. Trying to be very vocal on the court, especially on screens and stuff, just trying to be that leader. … I feel like in that aspect, I took a step forward.”
Jackson, known for his high-flying style of play, said he has put on some weight this summer thanks to his work in the weight room, and he plans to continue to work on his defense – mainly not fouling – and his jump shot as the season approaches.
“He anchors our defense,” Pargo said of Jackson. “He’s a big talker now. He wasn’t two years ago. He knows what we’re doing defensively and what we want from him offensively. He does a great job of creating offense for us on screen-and-rolls and dribble hand-offs. There’s a comfort level having him out there.”
Originally posted on nba.com