Andrew Nembhard, the 26-year-old Canadian point guard for the Indiana Pacers, has spent much of his NBA career playing alongside primary point guards like Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell, despite having a background as a lead ball handler in college. Since being drafted 31st overall in 2022, Nembhard has primarily been a secondary playmaker, but the 2025-26 season saw him take on a starting point guard role due to McConnell’s injuries and Haliburton’s absence. During that time, he averaged 7.7 assists per game and significantly improved his passing, even ranking fifth in assists per game in the latter half of the season.

With Haliburton returning from a torn Achilles injury for the 2026-27 season and McConnell expected to resume the backup point guard role, Nembhard faces the challenge of translating his growth to a more complementary position. He improved his three-point shooting last season, achieving a career-best 36.2% from beyond the arc on a higher volume of difficult pull-up attempts. This development will likely aid him in taking better-quality shots next season, as Haliburton’s presence could create more open looks for him.

Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan emphasized patience regarding Haliburton’s reintegration, noting that his return won't be immediate at full strength. This situation may provide Nembhard with opportunities to share or reclaim some playmaking responsibilities depending on how Haliburton’s recovery progresses. The departure of Bennedict Mathurin, who previously handled the ball at times, alongside McConnell turning 35 this season, suggests that the Pacers might lean more on Nembhard’s versatile guard skills.

Nembhard’s on-court leadership and mental growth during a tough 19-63 season have been notable, and he’s currently participating in a player-led minicamp as the team prepares for the new season. His increased experience as a primary ball handler, coupled with improvements in shooting and passing, positions him to contribute meaningfully whether alongside Haliburton or in a slightly altered role. The Pacers’ success may hinge on how effectively Nembhard applies his expanded skill set in the evolving team dynamic.