Andrew Nembhard was just one vote away from making an All-Rookie team last year for the Indiana Pacers, and his future is bright. The 23-year old is a talented young guard who can play many positions.
He played in Summer League for the Pacers in July, and he was the best player on the hardwood every second he was in the game. He controlled the pace, made great passes, and got to his spots. His overall play was excellent.
His teammates took notice. Darius McGhee, who joined the blue and gold for Summer League and will be signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the franchise for training camp, went against Nembhard in practice and watched him up close during games. He gushed about the guard's play on a recent episode of the Locked On Pacers podcast.
"For one, him just being a bigger point guard, Andrew's way more athletic than people give him credit for. His ability to stop on a dime, he's super quick," McGhee said of Nembhard. "Obviously, he has a bigger frame, so even when he gets to spots and he feels like he needs to create more space he can do that."
McGhee was also impressed by his teammate's ability to make passes in the lane. He mentioned how impressive it is that Nembhad can fire quick, accurate passes even when he's in traffic.
Nembhard averaged 17.5 points and 7.5 assists per game in the exhibitions. During his rookie season in the NBA, those numbers were 9.5 and 4.5, respectively.
He started often for Indiana last season thanks in large part to his defense. He can guard both wings and ball handlers, and his activity was first-class for a rookie. The Pacers relied on him.
McGhee saw that defense closer than most. He was defended by Nembhard in practice. "He kinda has the whole, complete package," McGhee said of his teammate. "Defensively... playing against him, there's a much different level of respect and you see things differently when you're in there day-to-day. Andrew's definitely a pest on the ball."
For his part, McGhee averaged 6.5 points and 2.0 assists per game in Las Vegas. He is on the doorstep of his rookie season in the NBA.
Throughout the podcast, McGhee also discussed studying Stephen Curry, growing as a player, the Pacers organization, his family, and more. The whole episode can be found here.
More must-reads: