Originally, it seemed like time would tell who won the Ivica Zubac trade between the LA Clippers and Indiana Pacers. Both teams received much-needed assets and improved, leading to a neck-and-neck debate. However, Bennedict Mathurin, a 23-year-old rising star included in the deal, just put an end to it, confirming the Pacers as losers, with exciting words about how hungry he is to be the best two-way player across the association.
Bennedict Mathurin says he wants to be the best two-way player in the NBA.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 14, 2026
“I think my defense has been better. But I want more. I wanna be gritty. I don’t know how long I’ll get to be around these guys. I want to learn as much as I can. I ask KD a lot of questions. DJ and… pic.twitter.com/ajyWwtMkme
As it is music to the Clippers’ organization and fans’ ears, Mathurin shared his mindset after dropping 26 points and six rebounds in a double-digit home win over the Chicago Bulls.
This goal is certainly realistic for Mathurin, and it’s not a stretch to say he could achieve it within the next couple of seasons, if he sticks to his craft, capitalizes on his potential, and remains eager to grow; the athleticism is already there, which, in his case, is a must-have.
Bennedict Mathurin is in the perfect position to be the NBA’s best two-way player
To be considered elite on both sides of the ball, a player has to score and defend at the highest level. It’s one of the most arduous tasks in the league, which is why they don’t come around often and are essentially cut from a different cloth.
You know who is an elite two-way player, and has been for most of his career? Kawhi Leonard. His six All-NBA appearances and two Defensive Player of the Year awards speak for themselves. Even at the age of 34, he’s still doing it.
Picking Leonard’s brain and figuring out the keys to being great at a young age, then staying there, is what Mathurin needs to be doing for as long as he can, as the future is uncertain; the two-time champion may be gone in the summer, so it’s important to soak up as much knowledge while he can.
However, it’s not only Leonard that Mathurin can learn from. He has Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Nicolas Batum, and Brook Lopez, all of whom have developed into phenomenal offensive and defensive talents, to ask questions and study effective techniques.
On top of that, Mathurin is in a great system led by Tyronn Lue and Jeff Van Gundy. These two experienced geniuses can certainly spill the sauce, which will stick with the youngster for the rest of his career.
Soon enough, by doing everything in his power, Mathurin will be regarded exactly as he dreams of. It’ll just take time and hard work to get there.