Aaron Nesmith is a player whom the Boston Celtics had high hopes for that never really panned out for the team. In this article, we take a look at how Nesmith’s career has developed so far and what is being seen from him this year with the Indiana Pacers.
The Boston Celtics version of Nesmith
When Nesmith was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 14th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the expectation was that he would come in and provide elite 3 PT shooting and serviceable defense as a 6’5 wing. While he did not play too much during his rookie season, he put up a very respectable 37% shooting percentage from deep, although in limited time at 14.5 min a game. He ended his rookie year with a line of 4.7 Pts, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.5 AST per game.
It looked as if there was plenty for him to build off in his second season, but unfortunately, Nesmith regressed. Nesmith only averaged 3.8 Pts per game in 11 mpg, shoo ting a horrific 27% from three. This marked the end of his Celtics career, as the team decided to part ways with him to get Brogdon, and Nesmith began the 2022-23 season as an Indiana Pacer, looking to get his career going back in the right direction.
The Indiana Pacers version of Nesmith
Nesmith has so far been an overall positive player for the Indiana Pacers. While he is not the main offensive focus in most situations, he does what he can with his role without making too many mistakes. For the season, he is averaging 8.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 1.1 APG, which are all career highs and validation of the bet Pacers management took on him in the Malcolm Brogdan trade.
What is also an encouraging development this season is the return of his 3 Pt shot, as he is drilling 36.5% of his three’s this season on 4 attempts per game. Nesmith has upped his shooting percentage every month of the season as well, going from 31.8% fin3 in October, to 35.4% in November, and finally shooting a sizzling 42.3% in 7 games so far in December. Additionally, he is scoring 9.3 PPG as a starter in 21 MPG.
What has been surprising during his time with the Indiana Pacers is the value Nesmith has brought as a defender to the team, showing an ability to at least hold his own against legitimate NBA wings. It is safe to say Nesmith is playing the best basketball of his career as an Indiana Pacer, so what does this mean for his future?
Nesmith’s role going forward
At this point, the Pacers seem to trust Nesmith enough to the point where they are comfortable starting him over former starter Jalen Smith, so he is doing enough for the Pacers to keep his role steady. However, Chris Duarte has missed a lot of time, and the expectation will be that he will take Nesmith’s spot in the starting lineup when he comes back.
Even with Duarte returning, expect Nesmith to be another scoring boost off the bench in addition the Mathurin, and still operate as a 7th or 8th man for the team. In terms of future plans, Buddy Hield is currently 29 years old, and may not fit the Pacers’ vision long-term. This means that Nesmith has an opportunity to replace Buddy in the starting lineup in the long run if he can continue his scorching shooting this season and beyond.
Aaron Nesmith has found new life on this frisky Indiana Pacers squad, and his strong play as of late could lead to him earning a big role with the team in the near future. How do you see Nesmith developing? Leave your thought in the discussion below!