Aaron Nesmith needs to show improvements as a passer next season to further ensure his and the Indiana Pacers' long-term success.
Recently, Tony East of the Locked On Pacers podcast mentioned that taking another step as a passer (even if it is not ever going to be his main strength or role in Indiana) could provide a huge boost to his game, which, in turn, could be a great thing for the Pacers.
"What is the next level of passing for Aaron Nesmith, because this is the kind of general one word, and it's lazy to just say passing, that could be the 'next step' for Aaron Nesmith?... He's not really a set-up kind of guy, and that's why I kind of wonder if this season, he can take a step forward in that way, if there's an assist number or passing development that could really level him up...I do wonder if there's something there that has not been unlocked or has not been asked to be unlocked," East wrote.
The Pacers rely heavily on fast-paced ball movement and improvisation. This is exactly why they have one of the best offensive units in the league. However, this is mostly because Indiana has the perfect point guard for this system in Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton is incredibly efficient as a playmaker and passer, and his presence greatly boosts the team's offense.
Unfortunately for Indiana, they will be without their star guard next season as he recovers from an Achilles injury. In his place, the Pacers will slide Andrew Nembhard to the point, but he will not be the only player the team will rely on to fill the void left by Haliburton's injury.
His passing role will be far less important, but Nesmith will be another player to keep an eye on in this area. If he can show this type of improvement, this will not only help the Pacers next season as they look to remain competitive, but it will also help them diversify their offense and make things even smoother once Haliburton returns.
A lot of eyes will be on Aaron Nesmith next season
Following Haliburton's injury, the Pacers are going to look completely different next season, and a lot of players will be tasked with taking on bigger roles and potentially having career years.
As it stands, most fans will monitor players like Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, and Jarace Walker. However, even if for different reasons, Nesmith is another player to keep an eye on as the Pacers also need more from him if they want to make an impact next season.
The Vanderbilt alum has gradually improved every year since getting traded to Indiana in 2022, but next season should prove to be his best opportunity to showcase his talents yet.
Nesmith has already established himself as a fantastic 3-and-D player who can be lights-out from the perimeter. However, he will be tasked with making improvements in other areas of his game (particularly as a shot-creator), and being able to improve his passing would be another major development for the team.
If the South Carolina native can even slightly take on more of a passing or play-making role, that would take a lot of pressure off guys like Haliburton, Nembahrd, and T.J. McConnell. Furthermore, this would also improve the Pacers' already incredible ball movement and make it even more difficult for their offense to become stagnant by Nesmith doing a better job of getting his teammates involved.
There is a lot to like about Nesmith in Indiana, and he should only continue to prove his worth next season. However, he still has a lot of ways to expand his game and increase his versatility on the offensive side of the ball.
Becoming a Magic Johnson-level passer is far from a necessity for Nesmith, but players are always looking for ways to develop their game and unlock their full potential, and this might be what does it for the 25-year-old.