NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting shooting guards for 2023-24

19. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers

Bennedict Mathurin had one of the most underrated rookie seasons for the Indiana Pacers. Mathurin finished in the top 5 in Rookie of the Year voting and he’s just getting started. He averaged 17 points and four rebounds per game on 43 percent shooting from the field. Coming off the bench for most of the season, Mathurin flashed that he can be a worthy supporting cast player next to Tyrese Haliburton.

Mathurin has areas of his game that he certainly has to improve heading into next season. He needs to continue to prove that he can be a consistent 3-point shooter – he only shot 32 percent from deep. But that’s something he can surely improve on heading into his second season in the league.

Admittedly, I may be a bit higher on Mathurin than most. No. 19 may be a bit high considering he hasn’t even been a full-time starter yet. However, I believe that he has the potential to be a breakout star for the Pacers this season.

If Indiana does emerge as a potential playoff team in the Eastern Conference this season, Mathurin will have to make a leap in his development. I anticipate that he will.