As the Indiana Pacers continue to make their way through the playoffs, fans have been glued to their screens, eagerly watching every game. However, even the most dedicated followers have noticed a few key players missing from the lineup. According to a recent article by Evan Sidery on X, it seems that Benedict Mathurin and Jarace have been sitting out of recent games. But what does this mean for the Pacers and their future? And could these players potentially be traded this summer?
First, let’s take a closer look at the two players in question. Benedict Mathurin, a 19-year-old forward from Canada, was drafted by the Pacers in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft. Although he has yet to make his NBA debut, Mathurin has shown great potential in the G League, averaging 18.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants this season.
On the other hand, Jarace, a 23-year-old point guard from Serbia, has been with the Pacers since 2018. While he has shown flashes of brilliance at times, he has also struggled with consistency and injuries. This season, Jarace has only played in 19 games, averaging 4.8 points and 1.4 assists per game.
So why have these two promising players been sitting out? According to Sidery, the Pacers may be looking to trade them this summer. This may come as a surprise to some, as both Mathurin and Jarace have shown potential and are still young. However, the Pacers may see this as an opportunity to strengthen their roster and make a push for the playoffs next season.
But who could the Pacers potentially trade these players for? One name that has been mentioned is Miles Turner. The 25-year-old center has been with the Pacers since 2015 and has established himself as one of the best rim protectors in the league. However, with the emergence of Domantas Sabonis and the signing of Goga Bitadze, the Pacers may have a surplus of big men and could potentially trade Turner for a quality point guard or small forward.
Another potential trade option could be Ben Simmons from the Philadelphia 76ers. The 25-year-old All-Star has been the subject of trade rumors for some time now and could be a perfect fit for the Pacers. With his elite defense and playmaking abilities, Simmons could provide a much-needed boost to the Pacers’ backcourt.
While it’s still uncertain if the Pacers will actually trade Mathurin and Jarace, it’s clear that the team is looking to make some changes this summer. And as fans of the Pacers, we can only hope that these changes will lead to a stronger and more competitive team next season.
But regardless of what happens in the upcoming months, one thing is for sure – the Indiana Pacers have a bright future ahead. With rising stars like Caris LeVert and T.J. Warren, as well as a solid core of veterans, the Pacers have the potential to be a top team in the Eastern Conference. And if they can make the right moves this summer, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
So let’s continue to support our Pacers and trust in the decisions of the front office. While it may be tough to see players like Mathurin and Jarace potentially leave, we must remember that this is all part of the business of basketball. And ultimately, the goal is always to build a championship-caliber team.
In conclusion, as fans of the Indiana Pacers, let’s keep our eyes on the prize and stay positive for the future. Whether Mathurin and Jarace are traded or not, we can be certain that the Pacers are doing everything they can to bring us a winning team. So let’s continue to cheer them on and have faith in their journey to success. Go Pacers!