"OG about to be the new Draymond", "Ben Mathurin's suit is my favorite thing about the draft so far" - Fans confident about Bennedict Mathurin being pick of the draft after Indiana select him No. 6
The Indiana Pacers arguably selected the best player available on the board when they chose Bennedict Mathurin with the No. 6 pick of the NBA draft. Mathurin is a combo guard/forward who helped the Arizona Wildcats to the Pac-12 title and the NCAA Sweet 16.
Indiana gets a rookie who is fiercely competitive, fearless and has bundles of energy.
Following the move, fans took to social media to show how they felt about the decision. One tweeted:
“OG about to be the new Draymond, every other pick about to get this highly favorable comp.”
Another wrote:
“Ben Mathurin's suit is my favorite thing about the draft so far.”
Here are some of the best reactions:
Ryan Sanders of DraftKings Nation posted a report on what the league and fans can expect from the 20-year-old. He explained that Mathurin is strong off the dribble and has great vision.
According to Sanders, Mathurin switches off on defense at times, but more than makes up for it with his dynamic plays on and off the ball.
The most exciting part of drafting Mathurin is the potential pairing he could form with Tyrese Haliburton. Indiana’s starting point guard went on a tear after his trade from the Sacramento Kings. Haliburton’s elite passing and reading of the game could help Mathurin’s game blossom.
How will head coach Rick Carlisle utilize Bennedict Mathurin?
Rick Carlisle has possibly more moves before the roster shakes itself out. Malcolm Brogdon, who primarily played point guard, slowly made way for Haliburton as the season progressed. Brogdon will reportedly be traded for the right price, which will open the way for Haliburton to fully get the key to the offense.
With Haliburton running point, Bennedict Mathurin could be Chris Duarte’s ideal backup. The rookie's arrival could also spell the end for sharpshooter Buddy Hield should Carlisle play Haliburton, Duarte and Mathurin together.
Mathurin could even see some time at the power forward spot either as the starter or the backup to TJ Warren or Oshae Brissett.
How the Pacers front office will move on with the roster will largely dictate how Bennedict Mathurin will make his name in the NBA.