Next season is expected to be a gap year for the Indiana Pacers, despite them making the NBA Finals last season. Star Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss all of next season, forcing the Pacers to scramble, but it may not be as bad as many suspect.
After all, they have a clear Haliburton replacement in Andrew Nembhard, who will likely start at point guard next season. He has shown untapped potential that will be on full display next season.
That will hopefully lead to a breakout season, with one skill recently drawing praise. Nembhard is a pesky defender and even did a solid job defending League and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the NBA Finals.
However, his tendency to pull out the rug on defenders drew praise as an underrated skill. Nembhard often pulls back on contact when opposing guards lean in to try to push him back.
Andrew Nembhard pulling the chair on drives https://t.co/sVAB7Dt7XQ pic.twitter.com/joxMEjR3XC
— AKRiley (@AKRileyy5) August 12, 2025
Instead, Nembhard hilariously nopes out, backing off when the opponents lean in.
The Indiana Pacers will give the keys to Andrew Nembhard
The Pacers clearly have plenty of confidence in him, having him defend the game’s top players. However, next season, he will be given the green light more on offense.