Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bennedict Mathurin

How Bennedict Mathurin built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Bennedict Mathurin is a Canadian professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. He gained prominence playing college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats, earning consensus second-team All-American and Pac-12 Player of the Year honors. Drafted sixth overall by the Pacers in 2022, Mathurin was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2023 and finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting, quickly establishing himself as a promising young player.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1986: Comparison to Chuck Person's Rookie Season

On February 13, 2023, after scoring 21 points against the Utah Jazz, Mathurin became the fastest Pacer rookie since Chuck Person in the 1986–87 season to reach 1,000 career points. This milestone highlights Mathurin's scoring ability during his rookie year.

1988: Reference to Pacers' Draft History

The text mentions that Mathurin was the Pacers' highest pick since selecting Rik Smits second overall in the 1988 NBA draft. This puts Mathurin's selection in historical context for the franchise.

1995: Comparison to Jerry Stackhouse's Rookie Start

The text mentions that Mathurin's 72 points through his first three games was the most by a rookie since Jerry Stackhouse scored 76 to start the 1995–96 NBA season, highlighting Mathurin's impressive start.

2000: Reference to Rose and Miller's Performance

On November 10, 2024, Mathurin and Tyrese Haliburton became the second duo to each score at least 35 points in a game in Pacers franchise history, after Jalen Rose and Reggie Miller during the 2000 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers.

2018: Joined NBA Academy Latin America

In 2018, Mathurin joined the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico City, becoming its first Canadian-born player. This was a key step in his development as a basketball player.

January 2, 2021: 24 Points and 11 Rebounds Against Washington State

On January 2, 2021, Mathurin scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in an 86–82 victory over Washington State, showcasing his emerging talent.

July 4, 2021: 30 Points vs Japan in FIBA Under-19 World Cup

On July 4, 2021, Mathurin scored a team-high 30 points in a 100–75 group-stage win over Japan at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, showcasing his scoring ability on the international stage.

December 11, 2021: 30 Points Against Illinois

On December 11, 2021, Mathurin scored 30 points in an 83–79 win against Illinois, further establishing himself as a key player.

April 14, 2022: Declared for the 2022 NBA Draft

On April 14, 2022, Mathurin officially declared for the 2022 NBA draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility to pursue a professional basketball career.

July 3, 2022: Signed Rookie Contract with the Pacers

On July 3, 2022, Mathurin officially signed his rookie contract with the Indiana Pacers, marking the beginning of his professional NBA career.

2022: Season End

At the 2022–23 season's end, he finished fourth in the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Award voting and earned NBA All–Rookie First Team honors.

2022: NBA Draft and All-American Honors

In 2022, Bennedict Mathurin was selected sixth overall by the Pacers in the NBA draft after being named a consensus second-team All-American and Pac-12 Player of the Year for the Arizona Wildcats.

2022: Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player and Player of the Year

In 2022, Mathurin was named Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player after leading the Wildcats to their eighth conference tournament title. He was also named Pac-12 Player of the Year, marking a significant achievement in his college career.

January 31, 2023: Named NBA Rising Star

On January 31, 2023, Mathurin was selected as a 2023 NBA Rising Star, alongside his teammate Andrew Nembhard, showcasing his potential and recognition among the league's top young players.

November 8, 2023: Performance Against the Utah Jazz

On November 8, 2023, Mathurin recorded 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and made 4 three-pointers in a win against the Utah Jazz.

2023: NBA All-Rookie First Team

In 2023, Bennedict Mathurin was voted to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and finished fourth in voting for the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

February 17, 2024: Rising Stars Challenge MVP

On February 17, 2024, Mathurin was named MVP of the 2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge, held in Indianapolis during NBA All-Star Weekend. He scored 22 points and helped Team Jalen win the Rising Stars championship.

November 10, 2024: Career-High 38 Points Against Knicks

On November 10, 2024, Mathurin scored a career-high 38 points with 7-of-8 three-pointers made in a 132–121 win over the New York Knicks. He and Tyrese Haliburton became the second duo in Pacers history to each score at least 35 points in a game.

March 20, 2025: Career-High Rebounds

On March 20, 2025, Mathurin scored 28 points and collected a career-high 16 rebounds in an overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets.

2025: Played for the Pacers

During the 2025–26 NBA season, Mathurin made 28 appearances (including 24 starts) for the Pacers, averaging 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

February 5, 2026: Traded to the Los Angeles Clippers

On February 5, 2026, Mathurin, along with Isaiah Jackson and draft picks, was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown.