Is bennedict Mathurin Being Held Back? Former Pacer Jeff Teague Thinks So
Bennedict Mathurin,teh Indiana Pacers’ dynamic guard,has been a consistent offensive force off the bench,averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds this regular season. His performance has sparked debate about whether he deserves a more prominent role within the team.
Did You Know?
Mathurin was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. His current contract counts $7.24 million toward the Pacers’ salary cap.
Jeff Teague, a former pacers player, has weighed in on the discussion, suggesting that Mathurin’s contributions warrant increased playing time and, potentially, a larger contract. Teague shared his thoughts on his Club 520 podcast.
Teague’s Outlook: A Star in the Making?
Teague’s assessment of Mathurin is straightforward: Bennedict Mathurin, in real life, is a star.
He goes on to suggest that The Pacers, for some reason, hold him back.
While acknowledging Mathurin’s occasional unpredictability, Teague emphasizes the positive impact of his aggressive play style. He might be a little erratic. He may do some off-the-wall stuff,
Teague said,The way he gets downhill. … He was getting to the basket. He was getting fouled.
Pro Tip:
Aggressive players who consistently draw fouls can be a major asset to a team, putting opponents in foul trouble and creating easy scoring opportunities.
The Economics of Playing Time
Teague raises an captivating point about the financial implications of Mathurin’s performance. He speculates, I kind of think they’re holding him back because they’re going to have to pay him (if he played and scored more).
This highlights the complex relationship between player development, team strategy, and NBA economics.
Mathurin is currently on his rookie contract, which includes a fourth-year option picked up by the team for the 2025-26 season, scheduled to count $9.18 million. He would become a restricted free agent after that season.
Mathurin’s Playoff Impact
In six playoff appearances, Mathurin has averaged 11.8 points and 3.0 rebounds, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.Notably, he has been highly efficient from the free-throw line, shooting 21-of-24.
While Aaron Nesmith currently starts ahead of Mathurin, teague has no issue with Nesmith, who scored 23 points in Indiana’s Game 2 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Reader Question:
do you think Bennedict Mathurin shoudl have a larger role on the Pacers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Pacers’ Team Dynamics
Mathurin’s playing style differs somewhat from the rest of the Pacers, who are known for their ball movement and lead the remaining NBA playoff teams in passes per game. Mathurin tends to be more of a one-on-one player.
