The Indiana Pacers have officially entered a new chapter, and the story is being written in bold letters by Andrew Nembhard. With Tyrese Haliburton ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a significant knee injury, the pressure cooker has been turned up in Indianapolis. General Manager Chad Buchanan didn’t mince words in his recent press conference when he said, “We’re asking him to run our team… be more assertive as a scorer… we believe in him.” That statement was less a suggestion and more a mission statement. The franchise is no longer cautiously grooming Nembhard for the future—they’re launching him headfirst into the present.
It’s not often that a second-round pick evolves into the heartbeat of an NBA team. But Nembhard, taken 31st overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, is proving to be the exception to just about every rule. Since arriving in Indiana, he’s shown an uncanny feel for the game: poised, fundamentally sound, and always alert. But now, the Pacers need more than just solid minutes—they need leadership, shot creation, and clutch playmaking. Nembhard is being asked to wear Haliburton’s shoes, which are large, custom-made, and filled with All-Star expectations. The responsibility is enormous, but Nembhard hasn’t blinked. He’s leaned into the challenge.
In the few games since Haliburton’s injury, we’ve seen glimpses of a Nembhard that many had only speculated about. The version of him that goes coast to coast in crunch time. The one that waves off screens, attacks the rim, and drops floaters over outstretched arms. He’s logging more minutes, calling his own number more often, and—most importantly—he’s trusting himself to make the right reads. The coaching staff has made it clear that the leash is off. He’s not just being allowed to play through mistakes—he’s being encouraged to. That kind of freedom is rare in the modern NBA, especially for a young point guard in a playoff-contending team.
Chad Buchanan’s belief in Nembhard isn’t born from desperation—it’s the result of long-term observation. From the moment Nembhard joined the franchise, he has impressed with his basketball IQ, maturity, and resilience. Coaches rave about his work ethic, teammates love playing alongside him, and scouts who passed on him now watch regretfully. He might not have Haliburton’s flash or media buzz, but he possesses something just as valuable—stability. That’s what Indiana will need in these final weeks of the regular season and beyond.
This transition isn’t just about numbers on a stat sheet; it’s about setting the tone for a team that refuses to fold. The Pacers could’ve accepted Haliburton’s injury as a death sentence to their postseason hopes. They could’ve shifted into tank mode or frantically searched the trade market for a band-aid solution. Instead, they doubled down on internal growth. They bet on their culture. And at the center of that culture is Andrew Nembhard.
What makes this story more compelling is that Nembhard’s rise mirrors that of several great underdog point guards before him. Think Fred VanVleet in Toronto, Jalen Brunson in New York, or even Malcolm Brogdon during his rookie year with the Bucks. These are players who weren’t handed the spotlight—they seized it. And in doing so, they transformed not only their careers but also the trajectories of the teams that believed in them. The Pacers are hoping for the same kind of impact.
On the court, Nembhard’s playing style is unselfish, methodical, and deceptively crafty. He rarely forces bad shots, often makes the extra pass, and understands how to manipulate pick-and-roll situations. His perimeter shooting is respectable, and he has improved his midrange jumper considerably. But perhaps most importantly, he plays defense with pride. In an era where offensive fireworks dominate the highlight reels, Nembhard earns his stripes by keeping opposing guards in check and contesting every shot like it’s Game 7 of the Finals. That mindset is invaluable, especially now that the team can no longer lean on Haliburton to anchor the offense.
His teammates have taken notice, too. Veterans like Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam have praised Nembhard’s growth, both vocally and through their body language on the floor. You can see it in the way they trust him to control the tempo, feed the post, or find the open shooter in transition. Chemistry is fragile in the NBA, especially after a significant injury to a franchise player. But instead of panic or disjointedness, the Pacers look like a unit that has simply recalibrated around a new engine. And that engine is running smoother than expected.
Of course, there will be rough patches. Nembhard isn’t immune to the growing pains of increased responsibility. He’ll have off nights. He’ll turn the ball over, miss defensive assignments, and occasionally misread situations. But the important thing is that he learns from those experiences and keeps coming. The NBA doesn’t wait for anyone to be ready—it tests you whether you’re prepared or not. The difference with Nembhard is that he doesn’t need to be perfect to be effective. He just needs to be present, engaged, and fearless. So far, he’s checking all three boxes.
What’s fascinating about this shift is how it affects the team’s broader identity. With Haliburton, the Pacers were a high-octane, fast-paced offense built around creativity and improvisation. With Nembhard at the helm, they might slow things down a notch—but they’ll likely become more balanced and defensively sound. That’s not necessarily a downgrade. In fact, it could make them more dangerous in a playoff setting, where possessions tighten, and mental toughness outweighs flash.
As we head into the final stretch of the season, all eyes will be on Indiana. Are they pretenders without Haliburton, or are they sleepers with a secret weapon in Andrew Nembhard? The answer will depend not just on how he performs statistically, but on how he leads. Leadership isn’t about yelling in huddles or putting up 40-point games. It’s about consistency, accountability, and earning the respect of those around you. Nembhard seems to understand that on a deep level. It’s why Buchanan’s statement carried so much weight.
For the first time in years, the Pacers have a chance to redefine themselves, not through free agency or blockbuster trades, but through internal growth. And in a league obsessed with immediate gratification, that’s a rare and commendable approach. Nembhard represents that philosophy perfectly: patient development, earned opportunities, and belief in the long game.
Whether the Pacers make a deep playoff run or not, this moment could serve as a turning point for the franchise. If Nembhard rises to the occasion, Indiana won’t just have found a temporary solution—they might have uncovered their next long-term cornerstone. And that makes this chapter of the season not a setback, but a blessing in disguise.
So yes, the keys now belong to Andrew Nembhard. But this isn’t just about driving the car—it’s about building the road ahead. And from all signs, Indiana is in good hands.
