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The Indiana Pacers announced Saturday that guard Bennedict Mathurin has been diagnosed with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, an injury which will require surgery. The procedure will be performed by renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles next week.
Mathurin will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season and is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Via ESPN.com:
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, and Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams — the other two finalists for the award — were all named to the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team on Monday afternoon, as the league continues its postseason awards rollout.
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin and Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray joined them on the All-Rookie First Team, with Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey, teammate Jalen Duren, San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan and Houston Rockets forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason comprising the All-Rookie Second Team.
Via NBA.com/pacers:
On the way into the NBA Draft Lottery last month in Chicago, Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan felt a tap on the shoulder. He turned around and saw that it was Arizona guard Bennedict Mathurin and his agent.
Mathurin’s agent told Buchanan that they thought he could be a great fit in Indiana. After the lottery unfolded and Indiana received the sixth overall pick, Mathurin chatted with another high-ranking Pacers staffer — head coach Rick Carlisle.
“It was obvious from our end that he viewed this as a great fit,” Buchanan said “…It was likewise on our end. It just felt right.”
Sure enough, the Pacers selected Mathurin with their first pick on Thursday night.
The 6-6 guard averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game last season as a sophomore for the Wildcats. Mathurin, who turned 20 on Sunday, was named Pac-12 Player of the Year and a consensus second-team All-American.
Mathurin will add to Indiana’s impressive collection of young talent on the perimeter, forming a formidable trio with 22-year-old Tyrese Haliburton and Chris Duarte, the 13th overall pick in last year’s draft.