John LocherIndiana PacersThree years, $59 millionAndrew NembhardReturnType/Guard The deal shows that the Pacers are serious about preserving their homegrown gem while also making it clear they want to assemble a winning team around him. This article will take a deep dive into what this extension means for Nembhard, the Pacers and the NBA in general.
Who is Andrew Nembhard?
Nembhard is a decorated young point guard who has been in the conversation around NBA prospects since his arrival. His playmaking and defense, paired with his ability to score in the clutch quickly made Nembhard one of the top players on this Pacers team. In particular, his way from a prominent for college athelete to an NBA pro is a story of dedication and hard work.
Nembhard’s Journey to the NBA
Before transferring to Gonzaga, Nembhard played college basketball at Florida. While at Gonzaga, he showed his abilities as both a leader and playmaker that piqued the interest of NBA scouts. Because of his impressive performances, he was chosen by the Pacers and has been growing ever sinceAnalyzing Every Inch of Andrew Nembhard’s 3-Year, $59M Extension with the Pacers.
Why The 3-Year, $59M Extension Matters
The extension is a big deal for Nembhard and the Pacers alike. For Nembhard, it amounts to a show of faith from the club and provides financial security. It means the Pacers will keep a nice piece to developAnalyzing Every Inch of Andrew Nembhard’s 3-Year, $59M Extension with the Pacers .
Breaking Down the Financials
Three years and $59 million at which breaks down to nearly $20M per annum. This puts Nembhard in the upper echelon of pay among all WNBA players, which is a credit to how much her squad values him. How the contract is structured, along with any performance incentives/bonuses will play a significant factor in what type of an impact this has been on all parties.
Impact on the Pacers’ Salary Cap
Indiana will need to keep enough cap space for future moves in its pocket. Nembhard’s extension takes up a valuable part of their cap space, but also secures the backcourt for them in next few seasons. The commitment will obviously be something the team needs to balance with other roster needs/ potential free agent acquisitions.
Nembhard in the Future of the Pacers
Nembhard is expected to be a big part of the Pacers future plans. He’s not Kyle Lowry, but as the Rockets’ young guard with a lot more than a toe in there rebuild/experiential phase. Another critical part of the pair, McConnell’s development is crucial to Pacers winning and this extension gives him some certainty as continues finding his way.
The Impact on Team Chemistry
Reel Nembhard in for the long haul, and team chemistry would be positively impacted. Having a leader, playmaker on the D who can be popular with all of his teammates will create an environment that is more tight-knit and hopefully competitive. It can then focus on finding ways to build around him and a complementary roster.
A Previous Comparison of Nembhard’s Extension to Extensions of Others
The Pacers obviously think Nembhard, 22 years old in May, has a future as a primary piece of their core by all accounts – especially when comparing his extension to the rest of this past season’s dealmaking around the league. His contract is in line with that of other young guards, which speaks to the organization’s belief he can be a star.
The Broader NBA Context
In the grand scheme of things in NBA terms, this extension illustrates the importance of holding on to good young players. With all of the talent in this draft, teams across the league are looking to bring their future stars and kick-start a rebuild… including Indy. The signing of Nembhard is a pattern with more foundational players agreeing to longer deals.
How This Effects Pacer Fans
This extension is a big win for Pacers fans. Nemhbard has already shown flashes-more will follow when it remains his team. In retrospect, fans should be excited to watch him mature and take Indiana in a new direction.
Potential Challenges Ahead
While this extension is good news, it might also pose a problem. For Nembhard, he has to keep on getting better and earning the money his contract would expect. What the Pacers will also have to do is make controlled moves in order to assemble a competitive team around him.
It’s a significant move for the Indiana Pacers to lock up Andrew Nembhard on this 3-year, $59 million extension. One who can be the next face of your franchise for many years to come. Indiana not has to make Nembhard the point of interest. Yet as he continues to develop, when it comes a superior unit in his fit and production on winning teams (hopefully), they might be able create around this Indiana-native for years ahead. It also is an indication of how the Pacers are all in on their youth movement and have high hopes for Nembhard. With many eyes on the Pacers, fans and analysts alike will be paying close attention to how this extension is going to tip Indiana’s direction for years.
