# Andrew Nembhard's Next Step

> Nembhard must maintain 2025-26 production as Haliburton returns.
- Title: Andrew Nembhard's Next Step · Indiana Pacers On SI | Shortify
- Summary: Nembhard must maintain 2025-26 production as Haliburton returns. Andrew Nembhard needs to keep his 2025-26 scoring and shooting stats to stay effective with…
- Keywords: indianapolis, indianapolis pacers, andrew nembhard, tyrese haliburton, nba, preseason, three-point shooting, defense, foul trouble, sports, Andrew, Nembhard's
- Source: Indiana Pacers On SI — https://si.com/nba/pacers/onsi/what-s-the-next-step-for-pacers-guard-andrew-nembhard-01m4p0vdrc60
- Published: 2026-10-11T19:45:47+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: indianapolis, indianapolis pacers, andrew nembhard, tyrese haliburton, nba, preseason, three-point shooting, defense, foul trouble, sports
## Nembhard's role with Pacers
Andrew Nembhard's role with the Indiana Pacers this season will be of significant value for multiple reasons.
## Haliburton returns
With Tyrese Haliburton returning from injury, having another capable starting point guard in the lineup next to him helps alleviate pressure that will be thrown his way.
## Preseason game against Atlanta
As we saw in Saturday night's preseason game against Atlanta, Haliburton did not play because of a minor ankle injury and the Pacers started Nembhard at the point and inserted Kelly Oubre Jr.at the wing.
## Preseason game against Minnesota
In Wednesday's preseason game against Minnesota, Nembhard played the backup point guard role with T.J. McConnell sidelined. He helped spearhead a big run thanks to his defensive presence and by pushing the ball.
## Nembhard's value
Nembhard is an invaluable piece to this team, but as he enters the prime of his NBA career, what is the next step he can take in his career.
## Defensive role
Still regarded as the team's best on-ball defender, it will be his job on a night-to-night basis to matchup against the opponents best guard.
## Foul trouble challenge
If Nembhard has to go to the bench with foul trouble, it weakens the strength of the ecosystem.
## Three-point shooting
With Haliburton back running the offense, Nembhard has to become a reliable catch-and-shoot three-point shooter.
## Improving shooting
He took a step forward last year in three-point percentage, but on 2.5 more attempts per game. Proving to be a reliable off-ball shooter will make him even more difficult to guard.
## Scoring ability
He is a three-level scorer and can make opponents pay in a variety of ways.He just has to be more consistent with his perimeter shooting, while staying out of foul trouble on the defensive side.
## 2025-26 stats
Without Tyrese Haliburton on the court, Nembhard averaged 16.9 points and 7.7 assists per game, both career highs. He also shot 36.1% from deep, another career high, and 44.2% from the field.
## Next step
The next step for Andrew Nembhard is to maintain his production from the 2025-26 regular season.
## Key takeaway

Andrew Nembhard needs to keep his 2025-26 scoring and shooting stats to stay effective with Tyrese Haliburton back.