Ben Sheppard: Making His Mark with the Pacers
The start of the season was anything but smooth for Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard. Thrust into the point guard role due to a wave of injuries, Sheppard struggled to find his rhythm.
In those early games, Sheppard's performance was underwhelming. Over 22 games, he averaged 2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2 assists, shooting just 35.4% from the field and a mere 27.3% from beyond the arc in nearly 25 minutes per game. His offensive inconsistency, particularly from three-point range, raised questions about his future in Indiana.
But Sheppard is turning heads now, showing why he might just be a key piece for the Pacers moving forward.
Sheppard's Resurgence on the Court
Effort has never been in question for Sheppard. His hustle and dedication are evident every time he steps on the court.
But effort alone doesn't win games-it needs to translate into tangible results. And that's exactly what's happening now.
Since the new year, Sheppard has found his groove. He's averaging 7.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting an impressive 47.3% from the field and 40.2% from three-point land in just under 20 minutes per game. Notably, he scored double digits in six of the Pacers' last eight games in February.
While these aren't superstar numbers, they reflect Sheppard's role perfectly. He's there to play tough, drain some threes, and lock down on defense. And lately, he's been doing all of that exceptionally well.
Sheppard's recent consistency is a significant boost for the Pacers, who are eager to re-establish themselves as contenders. While he's not going to drop 40 points on any given night, his contributions are invaluable in the Pacers' system.
Looking Ahead: Sheppard's Future with the Pacers
At 24, Sheppard fits seamlessly into Indiana's game plan. His salary is set to increase from $2.8 million to $5 million in the offseason, with restricted free agency looming in 2027-28. The Pacers have some decisions to make, but Sheppard's recent performances give them plenty of reasons to consider him a part of their future.
In a league where finding the right role players can make all the difference, Sheppard is proving he's more than capable of making a lasting impact in Indiana.