Guard Andrew Nembhard, 24, is coming off of arguably his best NBA basketball run following the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Nembhard averaged 14.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 56% from the field and 48.3% from three-point range during the Pacers’ unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Last week, the Indiana Pacers officially agreed to a three-year, $59 million contract extension with Nembhard.
The Pacers had no choice but to extend Nembhard, who is emerging as a potential All-Star and a postseason performer. He also recently concluded his second NBA season and was chosen to play for Team Canada in the 2024 Summer Olympics. The only possible drawback to Nembhard’s extension is that he wasn’t the only Pacers guard to have a stellar postseason campaign; veteran guard T.J. McConnell also played a bit of a playoff hero during Indiana’s postseason run, averaging 11.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game all off the bench.
Against the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, McConnell pulled down nine rebounds, disheveled six assists, and scored 23 points on 10-for-17 shooting. The NBA Finals MVP and star player for the Celtics, McConnell, was compared to basketball superstar Michael Jordan after his performance.
They were just shooting the ball really well and flying around. Some of those guys turned into [expletive] Michael Jordan or whatever and we was like, ‘Man, what is going on?’,” Brown said.
Jaylen Brown: When I was talking about guys being Michael Jordan, TJ McConnell was who I was talking about.
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) May 28, 2024
Against the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, McConnell pulled down nine rebounds, disheveled six assists, and scored 23 points on 10-for-17 shooting. The NBA Finals MVP and star player for the Celtics, McConnell, was compared to basketball superstar Michael Jordan after his performance.
They were just shooting the ball really well and flying around. Some of those guys turned into [expletive] Michael Jordan or whatever and we was like, ‘Man, what is going on?’,” Brown said.
"The Pacers are working to extend T.J. McConnell. That is someone they want around for the long haul, no question."
– Shams Charania via .@PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/JH7I4k9W5p
— csb (@itsCSB__) June 21, 2024
It remains to be seen if the Pacers’ intention to extend McConnell in the long run is affected by Nembhard’s recent extension. In any case, it’s obvious that the Pacers appreciate the veteran guard’s contribution and want to keep him on the team.
What is the name of the Indiana Pacers mascot? All the details regarding Boomer.
Following their most successful season in ten years, the Indiana Pacers demonstrated that they deserve the acclaim they’ve received and more. Known for their quick-paced offense, the Pacers were among the most thrilling and entertaining teams to watch last season. However, the enjoyment for fans isn’t just about the team; the Pacers also rely heavily on their mascot, Boomer, to enhance the fan experience.
Mascots in the NBA add an extra layer of enjoyment and fun to home games, providing entertainment that players and coaches can’t. Known for being the face of their teams, mascots engage in activities like dancing, holding signs, and performing stunts during games.
While mascots are common across all sports leagues globally, some of the most iconic ones are in the NBA, including Benny the Bull (Chicago Bulls), The Raptor (Toronto Raptors), and Rocky the Mountain Lion (Denver Nuggets).
So, who is Boomer? Here’s what you need to know about the Indiana Pacers’ mascot.
**History of the Indiana Pacers Mascot**
Boomer has been the mascot for the Indiana Pacers since 1991. Initially introduced as “Boomer the Pacer” in 1985, his name was shortened when he officially became the team’s mascot.
**Description of Boomer**
Boomer is a 6-foot-tall, dark blue panther with fuzzy yellow hair. He is typically seen wearing sneakers and a Pacers jersey with the number 00.
looking for a slam dunk Game 4️⃣ win 🙌 pic.twitter.com/AWox0xF8QJ
— Boomer (@PacersBoomer) May 12, 2024
Mascots in the NBA enhance the excitement and enjoyment of home games, offering entertainment that players and coaches alone can’t provide. They are often the team’s face, participating in activities like dancing, holding signs, and performing stunts during games.
Although mascots are common across all sports leagues worldwide, some of the most iconic are in the NBA, such as Benny the Bull (Chicago Bulls), The Raptor (Toronto Raptors), and Rocky the Mountain Lion (Denver Nuggets).
the @500festival kids day was purrfect 😺 pic.twitter.com/NbhrLs9prn
— Boomer (@PacersBoomer) May 13, 2024
So, who is Boomer? Here’s what you need to know about the Indiana Pacers’ mascot.
**History of the Indiana Pacers Mascot**
Boomer has represented the Indiana Pacers as their mascot since 1991. Initially introduced in 1985 as “Boomer the Pacer,” his name was shortened when he officially became the team’s mascot.
**Description of Boomer**
Boomer is a 6-foot-tall, dark blue panther with fuzzy yellow hair, typically dressed in sneakers and a Pacers jersey with the number 00.
**Popularity and Fan Engagement**
Boomer is a regular presence at Pacers’ home games and is also active on social media, using the handle @PacersBoomer on X and Instagram. He also has an official Facebook page. One of his most memorable moments occurred in 2012 at a high school event, where he shattered a backboard with a high-flying slam dunk.
