4 Major reasons the Indiana Pacers have emerged as a dangerous East dark horse
Bennedict Mathurin's continued development
Carlisle has to find a way to get Bennedict Mathurin more minutes. It's only his 2nd year in the NBA and it appears the Pacers are taking their time and allowing him to get comfortable within the system but Mathurin appears ready to take a leap in his development.
There have been trade rumors about guard Buddy Hield being traded before the deadline, and if he is dealt it will surely open up more minutes and more opportunities for Mathurin. It would also allow him to develop chemistry with Haliburton and possibly form one of the best up-and-coming backcourt duos in the NBA.
Mathurin is a patient player, especially off the ball. He has good size at 6-foot-6 and his floater combined with his handle should allow him to score easily. especially when he faces smaller guards. He is cool under pressure and understands how to let the game come to him and not force things to happen which is rare for a player his age.
Haliburton and Mathurin could become the foundation for the Pacers as their game complements one another perfectly. Once he gains more confidence and experience and gets stronger, Mathurin will be difficult to contain.
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Mathurin has started in 12 of the Pacers' 19 games and in the games he has started he averages 13 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. It's still unclear exactly what role the Pacers have for him but Mathurin should begin to see an uptick in his minutes as he is too talented of a player not to have on the floor.