Jun 11, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in game three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

'It’s His Job to Lose' – Indiana Pacers Coach Drops Truth Bomb on Bennedict Mathurin’s Role Entering His Contract Year

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 6:51 AM ET

Bennedict Mathurin is expected to have an uptick in usage after the team declared Tyrese Haliburton out for this season , and head coach Rick Carlisle has high expectations for the Indiana Pacers swingman.

Mar 1, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle talks to the media before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Carlisle previously said that Mathurin has to improve his decision-making. The veteran tactician also wants the budding Indiana Pacers star to take on the tougher defensive assignments to help the team this year.

“I’ve basically said, it’s his job to lose as a starter. With (Andrew) Nembhard bumping over to point and Tyrese being out, he’s expected to be the starting two,” Carlisle said about Mathurin via the Coaches Corner on ESPN.

“He’s going to have to guard some of the better players, and on both ends. Defensively and offensively, he’s going to carry a big load,” he continued.

Indiana Pacers agree to new multiyear extension with key player

ESPN’s Shams Charania recently broke the news that the Indiana Pacers have signed Aaron Nesmith to a two-year, $40.4 million contract extension, which includes a trade kicker.

Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) and guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrate after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Nesmith has established himself as a key 3-and-D player for the Indiana Pacers. The 26-year-old guard shot a ridiculous 49.2 percent from three-point land in the 2025 playoffs during the team’s Cinderella run to the NBA Finals.

Especially with Haliburton sidelined, Nesmith will have an uptick in usage. Indiana Pacers fans hope that Nesmith will play more than 45 regular season games this year.