Why Andrew Nembhard Is Now Even More Important To Pacers
Nov 4, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (18) during the third quarter at FedExForum. | Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Jimmy Vik
Pacers Guard Andrew Nembhard is becoming increasingly important to the Pacers with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined, but can he handle the expanded role? Nembhard has become more of a factor in Indiana’s game plans with Haliburton’s extended absence, often being trusted with the main ball-handling duties. With increased expectations, Nembhard has the opportunity to prove his importance and show what kind of player he really is.
Andrew Nembhard Sees Increased Responsibility With Haliburton Out
May 31, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) and guard Andrew Nembhard (2) speak in the second quarter during game six of the eastern conference finals against the New York Knicks for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Following Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals, it was announced that Haliburton would miss the entire 2025-2026 season after tearing his Achilles. Immediately, the Pacers organization knew that it would be the next man up with their roster. Very quickly into the 2025-26 season, Nembhard saw much more responsibility and took over the role of Haliburton, running Indiana’s team as the main ball-handler for the season. Now, with Haliburton out for a few weeks, Nembhard is stepping back into that role.
Andrew Nembhard Gets More Responsibility as a Playmaker
Yet again, Nembhard will be asked to take on more ball-handling duties. Primarily a shooting guard for the Pacers when Haliburton is playing, Nembhard will now be seeing more time as a point guard. Nembhard has proven he can score, and he is also a very strong defender, but he will need to prioritize creating scoring opportunities for teammates, which is what makes Haliburton so effective as a guard on the Pacers. Nembhard needs to prove he can consistently run the offense as a playmaker and be a reliable second option when Haliburton is off the court.
Higher Scoring Expectations for Andrew Nembhard
Not only does Nembhard need to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, but his responsibility as a scorer also increases. Nembhard has displayed that he has good handles and can be a great scorer; he just needs to do it at a consistent level, especially when his number is called on more with Haliburton out. In the Pacers’ starting lineup, every starter has a strength and weakness, and Nembhard’s biggest weakness is being a consistently strong scorer, even though he has continued to improve. He still has work to do, but his extended time as the ball-handler last year has helped him make big steps.
Nembhard will need to be more aggressive offensively and use his strong handles to create open shots for himself. Nembhard will also need to find a good balance between facilitating and scoring, as he cannot sustain his role if he just scores or only facilitates and creates scoring opportunities for others; he will need to find a strong balance of both to successfully lead the team while Haliburton is sidelined.
Andrew Nembhard’s Opportunity to Establish Himself
If Haliburton’s absence does anything for Nembhard, it provides him with more opportunities to establish himself and display that he can be a reliable ball-handler. Indiana struggles without Haliburton in the lineup, and that is evident just by how the Pacers performed without him for all of last season, finishing 19-63.
Nembhard can jump at this opportunity, and if he impresses, he could change how Indiana utilizes him and runs their rotation in future games when Haliburton is back. Nembhard seems to be a part of Indiana’s long-term plans, but he could further solidify his role in the team’s plans for years to come, depending on how he performs.
The Last Word
Yet again, Nembhard is seeing increased opportunities amidst Indiana’s injury woes. With his increased role, he continues to develop and build upon what he has already been able to accomplish with Indiana. However, if the Pacers want to have a chance of recapturing 2025’s magic, Nembhard will need to step up and prove to be a consistent, reliable guard Indiana can look to when Haliburton is not on the court. He will need to facilitate and become a stronger scorer, and with that comes the opportunity to establish himself as a reliable option for Indiana.
Featured Image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
More NBA News:
Ben Sheppard Injury: Indiana Guard’s Absence Opens The Door For Teammate To Steal His Role
Indiana Pacers: 3 Key Numbers As Season Gets Underway
The Indiana Pacers’ Future: 2026-27 NBA Season Means Everything
Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.