The Indiana Pacers have been on a relentless journey, transitioning seamlessly from the intensity of Game 7 in the NBA Finals to the whirlwind of the draft, free agency, and Summer League. It’s been a busy stretch without much time to pause and evaluate the roster—something that general manager Kevin Pritchard acknowledged during his recent postseason press conference.
In a half-hour discussion that covered various topics, Pritchard touched on the potential extensions for Aaron Nesmith and Bennedict Mathurin, both of whom are eligible for new contracts. However, he wasn’t ready to dive into those discussions just yet, preferring to take a breath after a grueling few weeks. “Can I just have like 24 hours, please? Literally, we went straight from the Finals to the draft to free agency to Summer League. We’ll look at all those things, but I think that’s a little premature. We’ve got all summer and up until next year to do those. They both had good years,” he explained.
Nesmith was a standout during the playoffs, particularly in the first game against the New York Knicks, where he exploded for five three-pointers in a crucial fourth-quarter comeback. His impact goes beyond just scoring; his perimeter defense has made him one of the most valuable players on the roster. Many would argue he’s either the best or second-best defender the Pacers have guarding the perimeter, which adds significant value to his contributions.
On the other hand, Mathurin had a milestone year in the regular season, but his playoff performance was a mixed bag. While he showcased his potential in Game 3 and contributed effectively in Game 7 of the Finals, there were moments—like in his playoff debut—where he appeared to struggle. Nonetheless, his ability to create foul opportunities is a rare asset for the team, and if he can further refine his skills as a playmaker and defender, he could become a crucial piece for the Pacers in the long run.
Looking ahead, it seems likely that Indiana will pursue an extension for Nesmith sooner rather than later. His impact on the court is simply too significant to overlook. As for Mathurin, the Pacers are expected to assess his performance in the starting lineup before making any concrete decisions surrounding his future prior to the trade deadline. The coming months will be pivotal as the team navigates these important choices.
