ESPN Sources: Indiana Pacers G Bennedict Mathurin will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Mathurin — the 2024 Rising Stars MVP — averages 14.5 points. He’s expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-2025 season.
Huge loss for Indiana. Sort of a double loss since he was the reason they were willing to part with Buddy Hield. There wasn't really enough room for both of them. Too similar. Both out and out two guards. Both scorers. Neither has strong or even good non-scoring game (defense, rebounding, handles, passing). So Indy just took a major hit on their firepower with both of these guys gone.
I always view Mathurin as their x-factor. He is not consistent yet and his lack of an all-round game limits his playing time but he is such a natural scorer. So gifted. Wonderful one-on-one guy. Can beat his man and get to the bucket. Finishes well. Draws fouls. Shoots the jumper off the dribble. One of the bright young stars / up and comers in the league today. When he is going well, Indy is very tough to beat.
Mathurin is that extra cog they need to be an above average team. Haliburton, Siakam, M Turner and Mathurin. When they are going well, they are a 50 win type ball club. Of course "going well" for an inconsistent player like Mathurin means it is more like 50-50 whether you get that Indy or you get the 45 win caliber Indy team.
Big blow for their postseason hopes. I expect they will be one and done now.