Pacers Capitalize on Opportunity with Andrew Nembhard
The Indiana Pacers made a pivotal move in the 2022 NBA Draft that has left Los Angeles Lakers fans pondering a tantalizing what-if scenario. With their second-round pick, the Pacers secured Andrew Nembhard, a standout guard from Gonzaga, just moments before the Lakers were poised to select him.
Draft Day Decisions
In a draft that saw Indiana pick up energy-infusing swingman Bennedict Mathurin with the sixth overall selection, the team’s choice of Nembhard at No. 31 stands out as a remarkable acquisition. Nembhard’s skills as a two-way player and his experience in high-pressure situations, including the NBA Finals, added significant depth to the Pacers roster.
According to insights from league analyst Jovan Buha, the Lakers had their eyes set on Nembhard as well. He stated, “There is an alternate universe where he’s a Laker. Because one fun fact is that the pick the Lakers used Max Christie on, they were hoping Nembhard was going to slip, but he went 31st to Indiana.”
The Lakers’ Alternative
Instead of Nembhard, the Lakers opted for Max Christie with the No. 35 pick. Christie, a solid 3-and-D wing from Michigan State, possesses a skill set reminiscent of Nembhard’s but lacks the same level of ball-handling and defensive prowess at the point of attack.
This decision has led many in the basketball community to speculate on how Nembhard might have impacted the Lakers’ lineup, especially given their current needs for a versatile guard who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA season progresses, the ramifications of the Pacers’ drafting strategy will continue to unfold. Nembhard’s performance and development in Indiana may serve as a point of reflection for Lakers fans, who are left to wonder what could have been had the young guard landed in Los Angeles.
The narrative surrounding Nembhard and his potential impact on the Pacers adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about team-building strategies and the critical nature of draft decisions in shaping a franchise’s future.
