Pacers have obvious Andrew Nembhard problem that must be addressed

The Indiana Pacers face a significant backcourt question following Tyrese Haliburton's season-long absence. Andrew Nembhard is expected to step into the full-time starting point guard role, requiring the team to identify a player who can effectively complement him, similar to how Nembhard complemented Haliburton previously.

Caitlin Cooper highlighted this as one of the Pacers' biggest offseason questions, emphasizing the need for a player who can apply defensive pressure, guard the opponent's best perimeter player, and serve as a secondary ball-handler to support Nembhard, who will carry a major offensive load for the first time in his career.

Pacers GM Chad Buchanan has announced an open competition for the starting shooting guard spot next to Nembhard. Candidates mentioned include Bennedict Mathurin, rookie Johnny Furphy, and even current starting small forward Aaron Nesmith. While Mathurin might have been considered the assumed starter, the competition indicates this is not guaranteed.

Despite external views of next season as a "gap year" due to Haliburton's absence and Myles Turner's departure, the Pacers aim to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference. Finding the optimal backcourt partner for Nembhard is considered crucial for easing his burden and maximizing the team's potential success.