Indiana Pacers, Andrew Nembhard signs a new contract that will last for three years. Nembhard proved himself to be a vital rotation piece for the Indiana Pacer during the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals. Also, with this new extension, the 24-year-old has more years to prove his worth to the club. The Pacers reached the Eastern Conference Finals to face the 2024 Defending Champions, the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, the team lost in four games going 0-for-4. Also, the Pacer got inflicted with setbacks like the injury of All-NBA Tyrese Haliburton. However, there was light at the end of the tunnel for the Pacers team.
Nembhard, 24, was on a four-year rookie contract worth 8.6 million dollars. Thus, after an impressive performance during the 2024 playoffs, it’d be unwise to let the youngster walk away as a free agent. Therefore the Pacers franchise declined the club option worth about 2.2 million dollars to commence a new contract for Nembhard in the 2025-26 season.
Therefore, the club will pay the Canadian guard two million dollars next season to end his rookie contract. Also, Adrain Wojnarowski reports that this three-year contract will be worth 59 million dollars. Now, why did the Pacers extend Andrew Nembhard’s contract soon?
Andrew Nembhard Breakouts Out at the 2024 Playoffs
Andrew Nembhard got drafted in the 2020 NBA Draft as a second-rounder. He played two seasons with the Pacers where he averaged 9.3 points 2.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 143 regular season games. Also, the Canadian basketball player shot 46.7% of his field goals and 35.3% beyond the arc. The 24-year-old guard improved his performance during his playoff appearance for 2024. Against the Boston Celtics when the Canadian guard averaged 21 points, 7.8 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. Also, he shot 54.1% from the field and 47.6% from the three-point position.
During this 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, Tyrese Haliburton had an injury that sidelined him from playing. Therefore, Nembhard used this chance to prove his a good role player. Also, the Canadian guard improved gradually in his shooting percentage during the final months of the regular season. At the end of his debut playoff season, Nembhard averaged 14.9 points 5.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 17 games. Further, he made 56% on field goals and 48.3% beyond the arc
What Does This Mean For The Indiana Pacers?
The Pacers hope to build around their star players Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakiam. Also, this is an attempt to replicate their 2024 playoff feat. Further, the Pacers franchise is making these moves while within the luxury tax level and a bit close to the first apron threshold. Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam’s new contract will last till the 2027-28 season. Therefore the Pacers have a better chance of winning the NBA Championship title. Also, it could be a huge loss for the franchise if the team doesn’t achieve this feat.
The Pacers also have players who are eligible for a new contract next year. These players are Myles Turner and T.J. McConnell. Now, based on the Pacers franchise’s cap size next season, the club would desire to keep only one of these players moving forward. Further, McConnell’s impressive off-the-bench performance last postseason, makes him eligible for a long-term contract which means the Pacers should trade Myle Turner to achieve this contract and avoid crossing the first apron threshold.
Final Thoughts
Andrew plays better offensively with an average defense skill. Therefore one of the ways he could shine with his current skill set is if the Pacers improve their defense rating next year. The club finished 19th in overall defense rating and second in offensive rating in the 2023-24 season. Therefore the problem lies more in the defensive area of the court. Also, to become solid championship contenders next season the team needs to improve their defense playbook.
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