Ever since they traded for him from the Boston Celtics in 2022, Aaron Nesmith has played a crucial role in the Indiana Pacers' success. He has been an incredible 3-and-D player who has established himself as a fantastic fit in Indiana's system. However, his play isn't as pretty without Tyrese Haliburton on the court, and that has become crystal clear this season.
Aaron Nesmith is leaving a lot to be desired for the Pacers
Nesmith is technically scoring a career-high 13.1 points per game, but the way he's getting there isn't ideal.
Through 24 games, the Vanderbilt alum has shot 35.2% from the field (career low) and 34.1% from deep (second-lowest of career). Additionally, he has shot 32.2% from the field and 26.6% from beyond the arc since the turn of the calendar, and he hit just two of his 26 shots from deep in his last four games.
A lot was going to be asked of Nesmith this season pertaining to leveling up his offense. Without Haliburton (who seems to always make everyone around him better), Nesmith was going to have to find ways to get his own shot. And considering that he is more of a catch-and-shoot threat than a shot-creator, this has seemingly been incredibly difficult for him to do.
And on top of that, without Haliburton's scoring presence, defenses are just focusing a lot more attention on the South Carolina native than normal, which is making life harder for him on the court.
There is still a lot to like about what Nesmith is doing this season. He is still playing with the same energy that he usually does, and his defense remains solid (though it has taken a bit of a hit this season, likely because of his increased offensive role).
Nesmith is going to be a part of Indiana's plans for the foreseeable future, and rightfully so. He is capable of making an impact in numerous ways and knows how to play winning basketball. Unfortunately for him, things just haven't worked out as well as he had hoped at this point in the season, and it's safe to say that Nesmith is what he is: a good (sometimes great) 3-and-D player.
The 26-year-old plays his role very well, and he will be an important part of the Pacers' roster as they look to re-enter the title picture as soon as next year. But Nesmith clearly has his shortcomings, and without Haliburton, they are on full display this season.