Pacers’ Rick Carlisle loved watching Mathurin, Nembhard in Rising Stars
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle on Tuesday expressed his excitement to watch rookies Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard in the NBA Rising Stars game at All-Star Weekend.
The two were among four Pacers players to compete in the festivities over the three days in Salt Lake City. Of course, Tyrese Haliburton was a first-time All-Star this year and also competed in the 3-Point Contest with Buddy Hield.
Mathurin and Nembhard each helped Team Pau to the championship trophy in the Rising Stars game after defeating Team Joakim in the finale. Mathurin scored seven points in each game and Nembhard totaled two points, three assists and one rebound.
Carlisle was happy the rookies had the opportunity to experience it.
The Rising Stars was awesome. Benn and Drew both showed very well and represented the organization great. For the Pacers, All-Star Weekend was a huge win. … One of the passes Drew threw to him was really old school like Magic Johnson or Larry Bird type of stuff. That was really cool. I’m really happy for those guys. It is an amazing experience.
Mathurin is averaging 17.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 60 games this season with the Pacers. He is second in scoring among rookies and one of two first-year players (Paolo Banchero) with multiple 30-point games this season.
Nembhard earned the selection after posting 8.1 points, 4.2 assists, 2.8 rebounds and one steal in 53 games. He is second in the rookie class in assists and was the only second-round pick last year selected to the Rising Stars game.
The two players have each emerged as key players for the Pacers this season. They project to have bright futures ahead and will be hoping they can one day join Haliburton by playing on Sunday.
