Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle Officially Names Bennedict Mathurin Starter, Declares It’s His Job to Lose in 2025 Season

A new chapter is unfolding in Indiana, and the torch is being passed in real time. The Indiana Pacers, fresh off a promising 2024-25 season, are making a statement about their direction and their belief in a player they’ve long viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise. In a recent interview with respected basketball analyst Caitlin Cooper, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle made it official: Bennedict Mathurin is being promoted to the starting lineup.

“I’m projecting him as our starter at 2 this year,” Carlisle said. “I told him, ‘You’re gonna be with the starters on Day 1. It’s your job to lose.’”

There was no ambiguity in Carlisle’s tone, no hedging of bets. This is no longer a wait-and-see experiment or a rotational test run. This is a full embrace of the future. The message is loud and clear: The Pacers are handing the keys to Bennedict Mathurin and trusting him to take the wheel. And if he succeeds, it could change the trajectory of the franchise.

A Star in the Making

Since being selected sixth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Mathurin has flashed tantalizing potential. In his rookie season, he quickly became a fan favorite, averaging 16.7 points off the bench and displaying a scoring instinct that few rookies possess. His physicality, confidence, and flair off the dribble immediately separated him from many of his peers.

Yet, for most of his young career, Mathurin has operated as a sixth man—a dynamic scorer in the second unit who could occasionally close games but was not yet seen as a fixture in the starting five. That changes now.

Carlisle’s declaration that Mathurin will start at shooting guard signals not only a shift in strategy but also an evolution in trust. The veteran coach, known for his attention to detail and firm standards, does not hand out such responsibility lightly. In naming Mathurin the starter, Carlisle is validating two seasons’ worth of growth, effort, and skill development. And he’s challenging the young guard to rise even further.

Why Now?

The timing of this decision is no accident. The Pacers are in the midst of building something special. Tyrese Haliburton has blossomed into an All-Star playmaker and vocal leader. Myles Turner remains one of the league’s most reliable rim protectors. Andrew Nembhard continues to develop as a backcourt Swiss Army knife. The addition of Pascal Siakam has added a veteran championship presence to the frontcourt.

But what the Pacers have been missing is a consistent, high-volume scoring presence on the wing who can take pressure off Haliburton and bend defenses. That’s exactly what Mathurin can be.

Despite coming off the bench, Mathurin has shown he can score against starters, punish defenders off the dribble, and hit clutch shots in tight situations. He has the physical tools—6-foot-6 with a strong frame and explosive athleticism—and the mindset to compete with the NBA’s elite wings.

By promoting him now, Carlisle is aiming to unlock a higher gear in Indiana’s offense, one that leans into pace, movement, and multiple scoring threats. Mathurin’s ability to attack closeouts, get to the line, and hit transition threes fits perfectly with the Pacers’ vision.

Carlisle’s Confidence

What makes this move even more powerful is the confidence behind it. Carlisle, a coach with a championship pedigree, doesn’t mince words when it comes to expectations. Saying “it’s your job to lose” sends a direct challenge to Mathurin: You’re not here to fill a spot—you’re here to own it.

That mindset is crucial for young players. Too often, promising prospects are left in a gray area—unsure if they’re truly trusted, hesitant to overstep veteran teammates. By giving Mathurin a starting role from day one, the Pacers are eliminating that doubt. They are giving him full permission to lead, grow, and make mistakes without looking over his shoulder.

Carlisle also knows how to build confidence. In Dallas, he nurtured young talents like Luka Dončić into superstardom by putting the ball in their hands and letting them figure it out. That same belief system is now being applied in Indiana.

What It Means for the Pacers

This promotion does more than elevate a single player. It reshapes the Pacers’ lineup, dynamics, and ambitions. With Mathurin starting at the two, Indiana can deploy a potent five-man unit built around youth, speed, and skill.

Haliburton and Mathurin will form one of the most dynamic young backcourts in the league. Siakam and Turner provide veteran stability and defensive presence. The fifth starter, whether it’s Jarace Walker, Aaron Nesmith, or someone else, will benefit from the space and attention those four command.

More importantly, the Pacers are signaling that they’re ready to compete—not just make the playoffs, but contend in the East. They’re betting on internal development and cohesion over chasing big names in free agency. And they’re investing in their own talent pipeline.

The Opportunity Ahead

For Mathurin, this is the moment every young player dreams of—the chance to start, lead, and define the future of a franchise. He’s been patient, he’s put in the work, and now he has the platform.

The road ahead won’t be without bumps. As a starter, Mathurin will face elite defenders every night. He’ll be tasked with more defensive responsibilities, more scouting pressure, and higher expectations. But he’s ready.

He has shown growth as a playmaker, improved as a defender, and matured as a teammate. And now, he’s being challenged to put it all together.

If he can average 20+ points per game, shoot efficiently from the floor, and continue to improve his on-ball defense, the Pacers could take a massive leap. With Haliburton orchestrating and Mathurin attacking, Indiana has the makings of one of the most electric duos in the East.

Bigger Than Basketball

Mathurin’s journey is also a testament to perseverance and identity. Born in Montreal to Haitian parents, he became the first Canadian-born player of Haitian descent to be drafted into the NBA. He has carried that pride with him and has emerged as a role model for young athletes in both Canada and the Caribbean.

He has spoken about his love for the game, his desire to inspire others, and his belief that he belongs among the league’s best. Now, he’s getting the chance to prove it on the biggest stage.

A Season That Could Define the Decade

This isn’t just a storyline—it’s a potential turning point. If Mathurin thrives, the Pacers’ rebuild accelerates. If he stumbles, they recalibrate. But the boldness of the move reflects where Indiana is headed: forward, fast, and without fear.

For Pacers fans, this is a reason to believe. For the organization, it’s a bold vote of confidence in homegrown talent. And for Bennedict Mathurin, it’s the ultimate invitation to shine.

The 2025-26 season will be a proving ground—and the keys are now fully in his hands.

Let the new era begin.