Player Previews - Andrew Nembhard & Ben Sheppard: Is Ben Sheppard Running Out of Time in Indiana?

Alex Golden and Mike Facci continue their eight-part Pacers Player Preview Series, and today they turn their attention to Andrew Nembhard and Ben Sheppard—two guards entering very interesting seasons for completely different reasons. First up is Nembhard. After taking on significantly more responsibility with Tyrese Haliburton out last season, Nembhard now has to transition back into playing alongside Indiana's star point guard. So, what does his role look like with Haliburton back in the lineup? Alex and Facci discuss how Nembhard has improved over the last few seasons, what he showed with an expanded role last year and how the Pacers can utilize those improvements without asking him to be the primary ball handler every night. How frequently should Nembhard run the offense? Can taking some of the playmaking responsibilities off Haliburton actually make Indiana more dangerous? And what should the next step look like for Nembhard on both ends of the floor? The guys share what they want to see from Drew this season, set expectations for his role and make their official stat predictions. Then, it's time for Ben Sheppard, who enters arguably the most important season of his young career. Sheppard is entering the final year of his rookie-scale contract, but with everyone healthy, he could begin the season outside Rick Carlisle's 10-man rotation. So how does Sheppard force his way back into the mix? Alex and Facci discuss what Sheppard needs to improve, where his opportunities could come from, what it will take to earn consistent minutes and how his role this season could impact his chances of earning his next NBA contract. It's another edition of the Pacers Player Preview Series with roles, expectations, goals and stat predictions for Andrew Nembhard and Ben Sheppard.