Pacers Notes: Micah Potter, Benedict Mathurin, Rick Carlisle, Kam Jones

Micah Potter hasn’t been in Indiana long, but he’s already making an impression.

Potter, who signed with the Pacers on December 26, is giving the front office something to think about as decisions loom on contract guarantees, writes Tony East of Circle City Spin.

While his box-score line was modest in Wednesday’s two-point loss to Orlando, Indiana was significantly better when he was on the floor. Potter finished a game-high plus-23 in 26 minutes.

“Micah just knows the game,” Andrew Nembhard said. “Plays hard, physical. He kind of just fits in.”

Potter earned a start Friday over Jay Huff and Tony Bradley and responded with 16 points and six rebounds in 28 minutes against San Antonio. Indiana lost by 10, but still finished plus-four with Potter on the court.

Mathurin Adjusting

The night was more uneven for Bennedict Mathurin, who struggled with foul trouble and efficiency. Mathurin picked up five fouls in under 20 minutes and finished with two points on 1-of-6 shooting.

Coach Rick Carlisle emphasized patience afterward.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Benn,” Carlisle said, via East. “He’s starting. He’s second on the team in minutes. There’s a lot of responsibility, and it’s work.”

Mathurin is set to be a restricted free agent this summer if tendered a qualifying offer.

Rookie Spark, Injury Watch

Carlisle was more encouraged by the play of rookie guard Kam Jones, who made his NBA debut after missing time with a back injury. Jones posted a plus-16 in 10 minutes off the bench, according to Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.

“When he goes in games, good things happen,” Carlisle said. “I like his energy.”

Meanwhile, Aaron Nesmith appeared to injure his left hand during Friday’s game. Nesmith had fingers taped and was visibly uncomfortable at times, East reported. His status moving forward remains to be seen.