'Expect a Return to the All-NBA Strata' – Indiana Pacers Insider Predicts Big Year For 3-Time All-Star

Pacers insider Frank Urbina predicts that the 2019 champion will return to his All-NBA form without his running mate next season. His production on the floor could increase, especially on the offensive end.

“Some may call this a hot take, having veteran swingman Pascal Siakam ranked as the second-best power forward in the NBA, three spots ahead of Davis, but after the Indiana Pacers’ run to the Finals, which Siakam played a vital role in, can you blame us?” Urbina wrote.

“And considering team star Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss all of next season due to blowing out his Achilles, there’s no reason to think Siakam, with more of the offensive load, can’t take a leap on the stat sheet,” he added. “Clearly, we expect a return to the All-NBA strata this season for Siakam.”

Siakam has proven that he can be a lethal scorer. During the 2022-23 season, he averaged a career-high 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists, which earned him a spot in one of the All-Star teams.

Bennedict Mathurin is expected to be closely monitored by the Indiana Pacers next season

Although it’s tough for the Indiana Pacers to have Tyrese Haliburton sit for the entire season, something good could come out of it. It will allow players like Siakam to improve their offensive game. It will also help Bennedict Mathurin develop other areas of his game with more minutes on the floor.

According to Hoops Hype’s Michael Shearer, the Pacers management will closely monitor how Mathurin will improve his off-ball defense and decision-making.

“He’s due an extension, and the Pacers brass will be watching carefully to see if he has improved his off-ball defense and decision-making. Putting the ball in the bucket has never been a problem for Mathurin, but he’ll have the opportunity to show that he’s colored in the rest of his game,” Shearer writes.

Mathurin has always been a great offensive player. But other areas of his game are what’re concerning for Indiana’s management. Which is why they’d like to see him improve his overall performance.