Andrew Nembhard’s journey has been one of underdog hustle, meeting superstar potential. When he first stepped onto an NBA court back in 2022, few could have predicted that the once-overlooked 31st overall pick would soon become Indiana’s linchpin, let alone draw comparisons to seasoned veterans and shattering salary records along the way.
An Aurora native, Nembhard honed his craft at Gonzaga University. There, he collected several accolades, including WCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player, WCC Player of the Week honors, and All-WCC First Team nods during the 2021–22 season.
By the time the 2022 NBA Draft rolled around, the 6’5″ guard was recognized not just for his scoring touch but also for his high basketball IQ and two-way versatility. The Indiana Pacers took notice, selecting him with the 31st overall pick, marking the beginning of a meteoric rise.
Now, with a brand-new contract extension in hand and a net worth climbing into seven figures, the Pacers guard’s rise reads like a Hollywood script—only this story is very real.
From Second-Round Steal to Six-Million-Dollar Man: Inside Andrew Nembhard’s Pacers Payday
Upon being selected, Nembhard signed a four-year rookie-scale contract with Indiana. It was valued at $8,583,166, including $6,395,715 guaranteed over the first three years. Notably, this was a record guarantee for a second-round pick drafted out of college.
For the 2022–23 season, his base salary was $2,244,111. It was followed by $2,131,905 in 2023–24. In his third year (2024–25), Nembhard earned $2,019,699, all of which counted against the Pacers’ cap.
Andrew Nembhard’s contract, bro. pic.twitter.com/2O20ArUdRp
— Wes Trueblood (@TruebloodWesley) May 28, 2024
It wasn’t just that Nembhard showed promise. He delivered in high-stakes moments. In the 2024 Eastern Conference Playoffs, he averaged 14.9 points and 5.5 assists on an astounding 56% field goal and 48.3% three-point clip. His shooting over 55% from the field and 45% from deep left a mark in Pacers’ playoff history.
When All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton went down in the conference finals, Nembhard erupted for 32 points and nine assists in Game 3 against the Celtics. The world was forced to note his readiness to shoulder the load.
Recognizing his explosive growth, the Pacers moved swiftly. On July 24, 2024, Nembhard agreed to a three-year, $59 million extension—the maximum permissible for a player of his eligibility status—officially announced on July 26.
Meanwhile, Nembhard’s deal kicks in for the 2025–26 season after Indiana declines his $2.2 million team option for 2025–26.
The extension’s breakdown (per Spotrac) is as follows:
2025–26: $18,102,000
2026–27: $19,550,160
2027–28: $20,998,320
By signing this pact, he became the richest second-round pick in NBA history, surpassing previous benchmarks set by players selected outside the first round. Additionally, Nembhard’s three-year commitment brings him and teammate Aaron Nesmith to a combined $59.7 million through 2027.
The Pacers will have Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith under contract for a combined $59.7 million through 2027:
Nembhard: $18.1 million, $19.6 million
Nesmith: $11.0 million, $11.0 millionThe Pacers locked in two core starters who are playoff risers at bargain contract rates. pic.twitter.com/mx5rtPXmvH
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 5, 2025
During the final year of his rookie deal (2024–25), Nembhard earned a base salary of $2,019,699, which translated to roughly $3.84 per minute on the court—proof that quality minutes in the NBA pay dividends. Thanks to his escalating NBA earnings and a budding endorsement profile, Nembhard’s net worth is estimated at $2,244,111 as of mid-2025.
While his offensive growth is widely celebrated, Nembhard’s ascent as a defensive stalwart can’t be overlooked. In February 2025, he earned Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month after averaging 1.9 steals per game in January.
As he readies to unlock his hefty new salary beginning in 2025–26, all eyes will be on whether Nembhard can sustain—or even exceed—the breakout production that earned him the extension. If his ascent thus far is any indication, the best may still lie ahead for the once-sleepy second-round pick from Gonzaga.
