Pacers’ Rick Carlisle Confirms Mathurin as Starting Guard

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has made headlines by announcing that guard Bennedict Mathurin is expected to take on a starting role as the shooting guard for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. This revelation came during an interview with Caitlin Cooper from Basketball, She Wrote, where Carlisle expressed his confidence in Mathurin’s abilities.

“I’ll break the news right here,” Carlisle stated decisively. “I’m projecting him as our starter at two this year. I’ve already communicated this to him. A few days ago, I spoke with him and his agent and emphasized that he will be with the starters from day one. It’s his position to lose.”

At just 23 years old, Mathurin is stepping into a crucial season after being drafted sixth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft from Arizona. Throughout his two-year career, he has demonstrated significant potential, starting 85 out of 209 games and averaging an impressive 16.4 points per game while shooting 43.9 percent from the field. His scoring prowess has made him a valuable asset for the Pacers, especially in light of recent team changes.

The upcoming season will present Mathurin with a greater responsibility, particularly following the unfortunate injury to All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. Haliburton’s absence will create a substantial void in the Pacers’ lineup, and Mathurin’s ability to generate points will be critical for the team’s success. Sources told hoopswire.com that the Pacers are counting on Mathurin to step up his game and lead the offense during this challenging period.

Carlisle also praised Mathurin’s skill set, particularly his knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. As the Pacers look to build on their performance from previous seasons, establishing a reliable scoring option like Mathurin will be vital. His development into a starting guard signifies a shift in the team’s strategy, focusing on younger talents who can contribute immediately.

With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, the Pacers are gearing up for a competitive year. The coaching staff’s confidence in Mathurin not only highlights their faith in his abilities but also reflects the team’s broader vision for the future. As Mathurin prepares to embrace his new role, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he rises to the occasion.

Expectations are high for Mathurin as he aims to solidify his position in the starting lineup and prove himself as a cornerstone of the Pacers’ rebuilding efforts. The franchise is hoping that his transition from a rotating player to a key starter will pay dividends in both the immediate future and for years to come.