How Did Andrew Nembhard Win NBA Award?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lance Roberson | Last updated Feb 4, 2025 6:10 PM ET

Although injuries sidewiped the Indiana Pacers, causing a slow start, one player made the most of his return. Andrew Nembhard is not scared of the moment or any opponent, which is indicative of his performance in the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals. Fittingly, Nembhard's toughness won the scrappy guard an NBA award.

Last season, the Pacers made their money and a deep playoff run due to their efficient offense. Their offense still hovers in elite territory, as they rank seventh in offensive rating. However, their 18-5 stretch over the past 23 games sees the Pacers in a new light.

In January, the Pacers beat teams with their physicality. Behind only the Los Angeles Clippers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pacers ranked third in defensive rating to start 2025.

How did the Pacers reach such an elite status on defense while maintaining their reputation as a formidable offense?

Nembhard's defensive production during the 2024-25 season provides insight into how the Pacers significantly improved and why he finally earned an NBA award for his effort.

Indy Star's Dustin Dopirak first reported that Nembhard would win the Eastern Conference Defensive Player for January.

Regarding counting stats, Nembhard impressed voters with his 1.9 steals per game to start 2025. Moreover, he averaged a season-high 4.3 rebounds per contest in January.

However, as productive as his counting stats are, the legitimate production comes in the advanced stats.

Nembhard's on-off metrics indicate that of a legitimate influencer of defense. During the 2024-25 season, the Pacers' opponents perform significantly better when Nembhard is on the bench or not playing.

When Nembhard is not on the court, the Pacers' opponents post an offensive rating of 118.8. However, when Nembhard plays defense on the court, Indiana's competition significantly regresses such a number by -9.4.

While Myles Turner receives the glory for the blocked shots, Nembhard's constant persistence on defense earned bragging rights and national recognition for his hard work.

Perhaps the national media can catch up with the Pacers being a two-way team instead of all finesse and no toughness.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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