AndrewNembhard

Preseason question: Did Nembhard’s gap year change his NBA life? Tyrese Haliburton’s return to the Pacers is among the most anticipated story lines of the new season, and Nembhard’s return to NBA relevancy is one of its many exciting ripples. Nembhard was a revelation during Indiana’s run through the 2025 playoffs, and in the wake of Haliburton’s injury, he had the rare opportunity to stretch his development even further. During the Pacers’ lost season, Nembhard’s usage rate jumped nearly 10 percentage points; he had the best 3-point season of his career, including more than tripling his long-range pull-up attempts; and he achieved the rare combination of increasing his assist rate while also lowering his turnover rate. Nembhard’s job will be easier as the Pacers recapture their free-flowing style with Haliburton, but his reps as a leading man could add a layer to Indiana’s system that was largely absent in 2025.