Back in February, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle opted to re-insert Aaron Nesmith into the starting lineup over Bennedict Mathurin. This was a controversial decision at the time since Mathurin was playing some great basketball and Nesmith was still ramping up after his return from an ankle injury that had sidelined him for over two months. However, over a month after moving back into the starting lineup, Nesmith has played well and may have completely justified Carlisle's decision.
Despite being far from the most valuable player on the Pacers (and might even be the least valuable player in the starting lineup), Nesmith is still important to the team's success. A lot of fans knew Nesmith was good and had talent, but it is fair to say that most of those fans did not realize he could play at the level he is currently playing at on a consistent basis. The Vanderbilt alum is making a statement in Indiana, and it is one that bodes well for the team as they prepare for their upcoming playoff appearance.
Aaron Nesmith is the Pacers' X-factor heading into the playoffs
In his last 17 games since the All-Star break, Nesmith is playing arguably the best basketball of his NBA career. Across that span, he is averaging 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. What is more impressive, however, is the fact that it seems like he simply cannot miss. During that same stretch, he is shooting 53.3% from the field and 46.5% from the three-point line on 5.8 attempts per game.
On top of his offensive tear (which is even more impressive since he is not a top-three scoring option on the team), Nesmith continues to prove that he is essential to the Pacers' defense. He plays a key defensive role in Indiana and is arguably the team's best wing defender. For a Pacers team that is average on defense at best, Nesmith's presence is incredibly important.
As the Pacers approach the postseason, one thing is becoming crystal clear--Nesmith is the team's X-factor as they aim to make a second consecutive deep playoff run. In the playoffs, the Pacers will go up against the top teams in the NBA. It will be crucial for them to be on their A-game on both sides of the ball. Luckily for them, Nesmith is catching fire at the right time and will play a crucial role in the playoffs.