Bennedict Mathurin Wants All The Smoke, LeBron James Included
Bennedict Mathurin is an intriguing prospect that was just selected 6th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Pacers selected Mathurin, a 6’6” guard/wing, out of the University of Arizona.
The determined and confident wing impressed a lot of teams in the draft process, which helped him raise his draft stock. This same competitiveness that he showed teams in the draft process is probably what led him to make the bold claim shown in the tweet below.
Everyone knows the legacy of LeBron James, and a lot of people think he is the best player in the NBA. However, it appears that Mathurin is not sold on King James. In fact, it seems that he wants to personally challenge James. This is a lot of talk for a rookie that has yet to play a single minute of NBA basketball.
Mathurin is a talented wing that can be a knockdown shooter, with good handles and an ability to create off the dribble. However, LeBron James has seen plenty of skilled wings over his 19-year career, and every time he has displayed his greatness over his opposition. I like the confidence, but Mathurin might have bitten off more than he can chew with his call-out.
However, the Lakers and Pacers matchups will now have a bit more juice for the games next year.
The Indiana Pacers Post Draft
The Pacers had a successful 2022 NBA Draft, selecting wing Bennedict Mathurin at No. 6, Gonzaga guard Andrew Nembhard at No. 31, and Baylor forward Kendall Brown at No. 48. These are three good selections at three different positions, which will bolster the Pacers’ depth.
The Pacers already have a blossoming young stud, guard Tyrese Halliburton, who they got in the Domantas Sabonis trade with the Sacramento Kings. They have talented veterans too, like the capable scorer Malcolm Brogdon and the elite sharp shooter Buddy Hield.
They have other nice players as well, like athletic big man Myles Turner, and the versatile second-year shooting guard Chris Duarte. Indiana has the mix of veterans and young pieces needed to pull off a successful rebuild. Finally, the Pacers have possible franchise players in Halliburton and Mathurin to spark something special in Indiana.
