Pacers just sent a strong message after controversial Bennedict Mathurin decision

The Pacers did not sign Bennedict Mathurin to a new contract this year, and it's now up to him to prove his worth.

Indiana Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin (00). | Justin Casterline/GettyImagesMonday has come and gone, and the Indiana Pacers did not sign Bennedict Mathurin to a new contract. Because of this, the Canadian native is no longer eligible for a contract extension, and he is likely set to hit restricted free agency next summer.

This move does not come as too much of a surprise. It was always expected that Indiana, in an attempt to remain under the luxury tax threshold, would opt not to give Mathurin a new deal. At least not yet.

Instead, the Pacers sent a big message to Mathurin with…