Bennedict Mathurin is currently trending because he is a rising star in the NBA, playing for the Indiana Pacers, and there's a lot of buzz surrounding his current situation and upcoming season.

Here's why he's drawing attention:

• Contract Talk: Mathurin recently became eligible for a contract extension with the Pacers but did not sign a new deal before the deadline. This means his future with the team is a big topic of discussion, as he's likely to become a restricted free agent next summer. Many are watching to see if he'll prove his worth this season to earn a significant contract.
• New Starting Role and Potential Breakout Season: His coach has announced that Mathurin is set to be a starter for the Pacers this upcoming season, which is a significant step up. This increased responsibility, especially with another key player out, could lead to him having a much bigger impact and potentially winning an award like Most Improved Player.
• Strong Start to the Season/Recent Performances: Mathurin has recently delivered impressive performances, including a 36-point game in his season debut and a 38-point game against the New York Knicks in a previous outing, showcasing his scoring ability.
• Return from Injury: He also missed the end of the previous season due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, so his return to a prominent role and strong play after recovering is another reason for the heightened interest.