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Pacers Coach Confirms a Fan Favorite for Most Improved Player

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Aleksandar Mishkov | Last updated Sep 26, 2025 2:14 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers will look like a completely different team this season. Without Tyrese Haliburton, who will miss the year with a torn Achilles, and Myles Turner, who left via free agency, they are down two of their five starters. Andrew Nembhard was one of the best Pacers in the postseason, and according to Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, he might be even better this year. Speaking on a podcast, Carlisle confirmed that the Pacers will give him the reins. With an increased role, Nembhard is already shaping up as a favorite to win the Most Improved Player award.

Pacers Coach Confirms a Fan Favorite for Most Improved Player

Carlisle recently appeared on “The Zach Lowe Show” to discuss last season, as well as the team’s expectations and outlook for this year. He specifically singled out Nembhard as one of the most important players on the team.

“One of our luxuries, superpowers, I guess, was that Andrew Nembhard could start as a two guard, play off the ball, be a primary ball handler as a secondary ball handler, and guard the best perimeter player. So now, you know, he’ll be starting, he’ll be the primary playmaker, and probably still have the responsibility of guarding the best player from the defensive element of it. And so, much will be on him. We’ve got to alleviate some pressure from him.”

The Pacers still have players who can take up minutes at guard, including Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, and TJ McConnell. The problem is, of those three, only McConnell can create for others. Mathurin and Nesmith are more suited to playing shooting guard and small forward roles. But one thing is certain: Carlisle is one of the most creative coaches in the league. He will surely find a way to come up with a similar yet unique offense for the Pacers.

Haliburton was the engine of the Pacers’ offense with his creativity and ability to push the tempo. Losing him will make the team different. But if someone can find a way to do it, Carlisle is the man.

Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during the second half of game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Can Nembhard Win Sixth Man of the Year Award?

Right now, Nembhard is among the favorites for the Sixth Man of the Year, tied for third-best odds with Scoot Henderson at +1,400. The first two spots are for Deni Avdija and Amen Thompson, both at +1,000. Thompson and Nembhard are both thrown into new roles due to injuries to their starting point guards. With the increased responsibility and more touches, Nembhard’s stats should inflate. That can certainly put him in consideration for a major award, maybe even an All-Star nod if the Pacers are in playoff contention.

Nembhard spent his first three years primarily as an off-ball guard, becoming an elite defender and secondary initiator in the process. But during last year’s playoffs, we saw it several times. When Haliburton wasn’t having it, Nembhard organized the offense.

The good news for the Pacers? Nembhard shines in big moments. For two consecutive seasons, he has increased his production in the playoffs, showing he is prepared for the spotlight. During last year’s playoffs, his three-point efficiency went from 29% in the regular season to 46.5% in the postseason.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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