All things considered, this was a very successful season for the Indiana Pacers.
They overachieved, considering expectations, and while injuries may have had something to do with that, they’re still a promising team that should be a perennial postseason contender with this core of players.
That’s why the front office must emphasize keeping their young stars together for years to come.
With that in mind, Andrew Nembhard might be due for a big payday.
According to a report by Evan Sidery of Forbes, the Canadian guard is now eligible to sign a big contract extension.
He could make something close to $78.5 million over the next four years, bumping his salary from $2.0 million to $17.5 million.
Sidery adds that he’s also represented by Life Sports Agency, which represents Pascal Siakam, the Pacers’ most important free agent.
Nembhard could sign his contract extension on July 22, and judging by the way he played in the playoffs, it should be a no-brainer.
He’s been a perfect complement next to both Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell, playing on and off the ball, and putting his body on the line on the defensive end of the floor.
Needless to say, he’s not an All-Star-caliber player by any means, and he might never be, but he should continue to have a prominent role on Rick Carlisle’s team.
And with a healthy Bennedict Mathurin coming back next season and Haliburton getting back to full strength, the Pacers could be a big dark horse for years to come.