Pacers News: 24-Year-Old Stalwart Could Cost Indiana Over $77.7 Million After Immaculate Playoff Performance

The Indiana Pacers made an incredible playoff run after a long decade.  Following a three-year postseason drought, the Pacers were back in full swing. With guys like Haliburton, Toppin, Siakam, and the youngster Nembhard, Indiana made it to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2014. They finished the season with a record of 47-35, landing sixth in the East. While the team’s core is still young, the 24-year-old guard out of Gonzaga shined the most this postseason play.

Drafted 31st overall by the Pacers back in 2022, Nembhard didn’t take so long to get used to his role. The point guard averaged 14.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds while shooting over 48% from deep. These numbers are significantly higher than his regular season averages. He is currently playing under a four-year $8.58 million contract. However, as recent reports reveal, the youngster may be eligible for a four-year $77.7 million.

For the most part, Nembhard deserves every penny of it. In the postseason, Nembhard has shown that he can handle the load while Pacers star Haliburton is not on the floor. Trying to save the series at home, Andrew dropped 32 points and 9 assists going 12 of 21 from the field versus the Celtics. He is one of the players who has incredible potential and the Pacers will utilize him accordingly.

Not only that, but Nembhard and Haliburton turned out to be an awesome backcourt. While the Celtics were quite strong, the Pacers might have extended the series had Haliburton played. Still, the last two games of the Pacers’ postseason run showed how the younger players on the team responded to the growing responsibilities. However, the Pacers will have to maintain their stars and young talent to ensure a contending future roster.

The Pacers came out of nowhere this postseason

Getting past the Bucks in the first round, the Pacers were coming in strong as they faced the Knicks in the Conference Semi-Finals. The tough-fought series against the Knicks went as far as Game 7 with Indiana making its way to the third round. At this point, the Pacers were the favorites to make it out of the East but the Celtics had other plans. Regardless of the outcome, Indiana sent a statement, as they look to continue to contend in the future.

With their current roster, there is no doubt that the Pacers will be a threat in the East. Their tempo is quite fast compared to others and the guys have equally adapted to the same. There is enough shooting on the floor with threats in the paint as well. Offensively, the Pacers are one of the top teams in the league. Though they can exhibit the same energy on the defensive end. It will be interesting to see if the Pacers will be active in the offseason.

What are your thoughts on Nembhard? Do you think he and Haliburton can form the best backcourt in the East? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.