The Pacers’ popular trade candidate has become an untouchable franchise player

The 2024-25 NBA season has been full of mixed emotions for the Indiana Pacers so far. They have battled numerous injuries, most notably to Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, who each suffered season-ending hamstring injuries, and they started the season 1-3. However, the team has recently turned things around.

Two weeks into the campaign, the Pacers are 4-4 and tied for third place in the Eastern Conference with the Brooklyn Nets. Additionally, they are starting to resemble the team that reached the conference finals a season ago, which should give Pacers fans hope for the rest of the season.

Despite the roller coaster of emotions, there is one big positive story about the Pacers – Bennedict Mathurin’s breakthrough campaign. At the start of the season, Mathurin’s future with the Pacers seemed uncertain. While he had shown flashes in his previous two seasons, there were legitimate doubts about the Canadian native’s long-term role in Indiana that would make him a top trader. However, given his performance this season, Mathurin has flipped the script and proven that he is an untouchable professional.

Considering how well Mathurin played at the start of the 2024-25 season, one would never have imagined that he would be recovering from a season-ending shoulder injury he suffered at the end of the season in March. The Arizona alum missed Indiana’s entire Eastern Conference Finals run, which opened the door for players like Andrew Nembhard to showcase their talents.

In the first eight games of the season, including three starts, the 22-year-old averaged 16.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.9 steals. Additionally, he shoots 52.5% from the field and 37% from the three-point line. Mathurin has already posted two double-doubles, including a 30-point, 11-rebound performance against the reigning champion Boston Celtics.

What makes Mathurin’s season so special is the fact that he has appeared to be the best player on the pitch in several games for both teams. When he’s hot, there are very few defensive options to stop Mathurin. He has improved his efficiency this season and is performing significantly better on offense.

Mathurin’s rookie contract runs for two years. Trading him seemed like a realistic option (if not inevitable) at the start of the season, but his play and ability to step up when needed makes it incredibly difficult for the Pacers to justify moving away from him.

It’s important to note that the Pacers are missing starting small forward Aaron Nesmith, who is currently out with an ankle injury, but even upon his return, Mathurin has shown fans and the organization that he has earned a major role in the rotation .