Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard shared a viral offseason video on Monday, September 28, 2026, creatively modeled after the opening of Pixar's animated film 'Up'. The post arrives as the Pacers aim to refocus after a difficult end to their previous campaign, which included a 121-133 loss to the Detroit Pistons on April 12.
Nembhard's video, posted to his social media account, starts with a sweet scene of him playing video games with a young boy, set to the movie's iconic score. It then takes a humorous turn, showing the kid getting knocked over and an older woman's flowers being scattered. The clip transitions to Nembhard waking up to find someone training in his yard, followed by a highlight reel of his on-court play, and ends with him checking his shoulder with a confident smirk.
The video is a clear homage to the emotional opening sequence of 'Up', a 2009 Pixar film that grossed over $735 million worldwide. That scene is famous for its blend of joy and heartbreak, tracing a couple's life journey. Nembhard's version replaces the core narrative with basketball-centric moments, blending personal interaction with athletic drive.
It's a polished piece of offseason content designed to connect with fans on an emotional level while signaling his readiness for the new year. The inclusion of his game highlights ties the sentimental theme directly back to his performance on the hardwood.
Nembhard is entering his fifth NBA season, all with Indiana, after being a second-round pick in 2022. His role expanded massively last season when star guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles tear in the 2025 NBA Finals. Nembhard stepped up, averaging career highs of 16.9 points and 7.7 assists per game while playing 31.3 minutes a night.
With Haliburton now fully recovered, the Pacers' backcourt is poised to be a major strength. The team is hungry to return to the championship stage after falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games in those 2025 Finals. Nembhard's video projects a focused, motivated player, which is exactly what Indiana needs as they regroup.
The upbeat video contrasts with the Pacers' recent on-court results. Their form over the final stretch was challenging, with just one win in their last five outings (LLWLL). They dropped their final two games, including that 121-133 defeat to Detroit and a 94-105 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers two days prior.
Other results in that sequence were a 94-123 win over the Brooklyn Nets, a 104-124 loss to Minnesota, and a 117-108 defeat against Cleveland. You can review the full upcoming schedule on our schedule page. This recent history shows the importance of a strong offseason and a fresh start for the roster.
All attention now turns to training camp and the 2026-27 season opener. The return of a healthy Tyrese Haliburton alongside a proven Andrew Nembhard gives Coach Rick Carlisle a dynamic and experienced guard combination. The team's defense and consistency will be areas of emphasis after last season's finish.
Nembhard's video has successfully generated positive buzz among the fanbase. But the real work begins on the practice floor. The Pacers' aspirations are clear: to build on their recent Finals experience and make another deep playoff run, leveraging the depth and talent now at their disposal.
