Pacers’ Youth Movement Hits a Wall - With a Few Bright Spots
The Indiana Pacers came into this season with a clear goal: let the young core grow, give them reps, and see who’s ready to step into bigger roles. With Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner sidelined, this was supposed to be the proving ground for Indiana’s next wave of talent. But as we near the quarter mark of the season, it’s fair to say the results have been mixed - and that might be putting it kindly.
A Season Built for Development - But Progress Has Been Elusive
Let’s be honest: wins and losses were never going to define this Pacers season. That’s a good thing, considering they opened the year 4-17.
This was always about development - about finding out who could rise when the opportunity came knocking. But so far, the answers haven’t been encouraging.
With Haliburton out, Andrew Nembhard was handed the keys to the offense. Isaiah Jackson and Jay Huff were tossed into the fire at center.
Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker were expected to show they could be long-term cornerstones. And yet, outside of a couple of standouts, most of the Pacers’ young pieces have struggled to make the leap.
Nembhard and Mathurin: Holding It Down
There’s no sugarcoating it - Nembhard and Mathurin are the only two young players who’ve consistently looked like they belong in the Pacers’ future plans.
Nembhard, now fully entrenched as the starting point guard, has been steady. Through 13 games, he’s averaging 17.5 points and 6.2 assists per game while shooting a respectable 41.6% from the field and 34.8% from three.
He’s still bringing strong perimeter defense and showing flashes of advanced playmaking. Even when Haliburton returns, Nembhard’s play suggests he’s earned a meaningful role in the backcourt rotation.
Mathurin, meanwhile, has taken a step forward in his sophomore campaign. He’s putting up 21.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while knocking down nearly 40% of his threes.
His early-season scoring outbursts may have cooled off, but he’s proving he can handle a larger offensive load - a key development, especially with restricted free agency looming. He’s not just filling a role; he’s building a case as a foundational piece.
The Frontcourt Shuffle: Jackson, Huff, and the Center Question
Indiana’s center rotation without Turner has been a revolving door, and while both Isaiah Jackson and Jay Huff have had their moments, neither has truly seized the job.
Jackson’s athleticism and energy are apparent, and Huff brings a bit of stretch and shot-blocking potential. But the question remains: are either of them starting-caliber bigs on a team with playoff aspirations? Right now, they look more like solid depth pieces than long-term solutions.
Ben Sheppard and the Growing Pains of a Rookie Guard
Ben Sheppard was thrown into the deep end early, asked to handle point guard duties with Haliburton, Nembhard, and others out. It hasn’t gone smoothly.
The rookie has struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 33.1% from the field and 24.7% from three. That’s a tough ask for any young player, especially one adjusting to NBA speed and physicality while juggling ball-handling responsibilities.
There’s still time, but the early returns have been rough.
Jarace Walker: Talent’s There, But Confidence Isn’t
The biggest disappointment so far? Jarace Walker.
After two seasons of limited playing time, this was supposed to be his breakout year. Fans had been calling for him to get real minutes, and the opportunity finally arrived.
But instead of a breakout, we’ve seen inconsistency.
Walker’s performance against the top-seeded Pistons - 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting, six boards, two assists, and a steal - was a reminder of what he can be. The problem is, those flashes have been few and far between.
Too often, he looks unsure of himself, both offensively and defensively. His shot isn’t falling consistently, and the decisiveness you want from a high-upside forward just isn’t there yet.
To be fair, going from two years of limited action to a featured role is no small adjustment. But the Pacers need more than flashes - they need progress. Right now, Walker looks more like a future trade chip than a core piece.
Still Time, But the Clock Is Ticking
There’s a lot of basketball left to be played, and development isn’t always linear. But if the Pacers were hoping this season would give them clarity about their young core, they haven’t gotten it yet. Outside of Nembhard and Mathurin, the rest of the group has a long way to go.
This was supposed to be the year Indiana’s youth movement took a step forward. So far, it feels more like they’re stuck in neutral. There’s still time to change that narrative - but the clock’s ticking.