NBA: Don't Worry About Benedict Mathurin

I’ve got to admire the confidence of Benedict Mathurin. You call out the GOAT (Yeah, I said it) in LeBron James and put a bullseye on your head. That’s great, as the league needs more rookies to come out and call their shot. Because of this boldness, Mathurin, while not the top prospect in this class, is someone who I truly think has a defined future in the NBA. He’s a damn near-perfect option for the Pacers.

I, like most of NBA scouts and analysts, really didn’t know how to rank Chris Duarte last year. I get he had a stellar rookie season, he’s also much older than any rookie from his draft class. Why do I bring Duarte up in a conversation about Mathuria? Duarte isn’t a star addition. Duarte isn’t a player to build upon Indiana’s future core. With Malcolm Brogdon, Myles Turner, and Buddy Hield, all players who really don’t seem to fit with the Pacers’ plans, Duarte is in that same boat. The core of your team needs to be Tyrese Haliburton and Benedict Mathurian.

My love for Mathurin might be more than most. He’s an athletic freak who fits the age/upside criteria for the Pacers rebuild. His upside is that much higher than Duarte, and, for that reason, Mathurian needs to be considered the second start in Indy. Of course, you might be asking why he wasn’t considered a top pick? To that extent, I honestly don’t know. I’d argue the upside of Mathurin is higher than most anyone in this draft. He’s the best off-ball mover of any first-year (especially around the perimeter), and he can find his way inside off of screen/pick and roll.

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It’s that last sentence which has me so intrigued by the thought of Mathurin with Haliburton. As someone who watches a lot of Kings basketball, Haliburton was always looking for the man to set the screen or pick and roll to the basket. Sacramento never really incorporated that offense much. Given Haliburton’s ability there, having Mathurin who’s excelled at getting down to the basket and finishing with authority, this is a dream scenario.

The ability this will give Indiana, not only having a threat on the perimeter, however a player who can maneuver himself inside. Right now, the Pacers have Hield, his IQ and athleticism aren’t neat the level of Mathurin. Hield does bring shooting (we are all assuming Hield stays in Indy).For all I’ve said about him, Duarte is a solid complement to the duo of Mathurin and Haliburton.

This brings me back to the initial paragraph. Mathurin probably shouldn’t have spoken on LeBron. However, the kid has confidence. He’s got arguably the best up-and-coming young point guard in the league guiding him, one who seems to be a real leader in the locker room and on the court. The pieces are in place for Mathurin to really thrive. Haliburton is the guy to pair him with. Hali is a cool, calm, and collected player who thrives in the big moments.

Perhaps Mathurin spoke up too soon about LeBron. That maturity will come with time. I’d argue though, that’s a good thing rather than a bad thing. In the NBA, players always see the dollar signs. It’s not enough they excel in the actual sport. The end goal is always endorsements and other avenues of money.

Mathurian didn’t come out and say he wants his own shoe, he didn’t say he wants to take it all in and learn, the man planted his flag and called out the GOAT. Was it stupid? Absolutely. Will he succeed and overcome LeBron? Probably not. Will LeBron even take notice? Doubt it. However, I’m going to take the player who just comes right on and shows his competitive side.

Don’t beat around the bush, go after the alpha dog. Welcome to the NBA, Benedict Mathurin. You are going to have a long and prosperous career.

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