In the ever-evolving world of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the emergence of young talent is something that always excites fans and analysts alike. One of the rising stars in the NBA is Aaron Nesmith, a promising player who has shown tremendous potential as he makes his mark in the league. Known for his impressive athleticism, sharpshooting, and versatility, Nesmith’s journey from college basketball to the NBA has captivated basketball enthusiasts.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Aaron Nesmith’s career, his playing style, and how he has developed into one of the most intriguing young players in the NBA. We will also explore his background, key statistics, his role in his team, and what fans can expect from him in the future.

Early Life and Background

Aaron Nesmith was born on October 16, 1999, in Charleston, South Carolina. Growing up in the basketball-crazed state of South Carolina, Nesmith was surrounded by a rich culture of basketball that helped shape his passion for the game. As a teenager, Nesmith showed great promise on the court, displaying an innate ability to shoot the basketball and contribute in various aspects of the game.

He attended Charleston Christian School in South Carolina, where he had a standout high school career. As a high school player, Nesmith was known for his ability to score in a variety of ways, particularly with his three-point shooting, which set him apart from many of his peers. His success in high school led to him being recruited by several prominent college programs.

College Career at Vanderbilt University

Aaron Nesmith committed to play college basketball at Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee. He spent two seasons playing for the Vanderbilt Commodores, where he quickly became one of the standout players in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His time in college was marked by rapid development and flashes of his potential to make an impact at the professional level.

Freshman Year (2018-2019)

During his freshman year at Vanderbilt, Nesmith showed significant promise. He played in 30 games and averaged 11 points per game, displaying his scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc. Nesmith’s potential as a reliable shooter was evident from his strong shooting percentages. He also contributed solidly on defense and showed the versatility to play both the shooting guard and small forward positions.

Sophomore Year (2019-2020)

Nesmith’s sophomore year was when he truly began to showcase his talent. In the 2019-2020 season, Nesmith’s game blossomed. He became one of the most highly regarded players in the SEC, earning First Team All-SEC honors. His standout performance came through his incredible ability to score the basketball, particularly from the three-point line. In just 14 games during the season, Nesmith averaged 23 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. 

He shot an astounding 52.2% from the field and 51.2% from three-point range, which ranked him among the best shooters in college basketball. His shooting ability and overall scoring prowess made him one of the most dangerous players in the country. However, Nesmith’s breakout year was cut short by a foot injury, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite this setback, his performance over the first half of the season made him one of the top prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft.

NBA Draft and Transition to Professional Basketball

After his impressive sophomore season at Vanderbilt, Nesmith declared for the 2020 NBA Draft. Despite missing a significant portion of his sophomore season due to injury, his strong play in the games he did participate in caught the attention of NBA scouts. His ability to shoot from deep range, combined with his athleticism and length, made him an appealing prospect.

Nesmith was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 14th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The Celtics, a team known for their emphasis on versatility and perimeter shooting, found Nesmith to be an ideal fit for their system. His potential as a three-and-D player, someone who could space the floor with his shooting and contribute on defense was highly valued by the Celtics’ front office.

Rookie Season (2020-2021)

Nesmith’s rookie season in the NBA came with challenges, as many young players do. Transitioning from the college game to the NBA is no easy task, and Nesmith had to adjust to the faster pace and higher level of competition. However, he showed moments of promise during his rookie year.

Over the course of his rookie season, Nesmith appeared in 66 games and averaged 4.7 points per game. His shooting numbers were solid, but not yet at the elite level he had shown in college. He shot 39.1% from the field and 34.3% from beyond the arc, which showed potential but also indicated areas for growth. Nesmith’s defense was one of the highlights of his game, as he showed a willingness to battle on that end of the floor.

While he didn’t become a starter right away, Nesmith’s work ethic and improvement over the course of the season made him a key part of the Celtics’ bench rotation. His shooting ability, along with his potential to guard multiple positions, made him a valuable asset for head coach Brad Stevens and the Celtics’ coaching staff.

2021-2022 Season: Development and Growth

As with many young players, the following season was critical for Nesmith’s development. In the 2021-2022 season, he played a larger role in the Celtics’ rotation. Over the course of the year, his minutes increased, and his confidence began to grow. Though the Celtics were deep in talent with the addition of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Nesmith continued to find ways to make an impact.

His shooting numbers improved, and he also became a more reliable contributor in limited minutes. As the season went on, Nesmith became known for his ability to come off the bench and provide a scoring spark. He also showed improvement in his defensive positioning and ability to guard wings and perimeter players. Although he had not yet become a full-time starter, Nesmith’s performance during this season signaled that he could be a key piece for the Celtics moving forward.

Playing Style and Strengths

Aaron Nesmith is best known for his ability to shoot the basketball. Standing at 6’5″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, he has the size and length to be effective both on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Let’s take a closer look at the key aspects of his game.

Three-Point Shooting: One of Nesmith’s defining traits is his three-point shooting. In college, he was a sniper from beyond the arc, and he has continued to show this ability in the NBA. His shooting mechanics are clean, and he has a quick release, which allows him to get off shots even when tightly guarded. Nesmith’s ability to shoot the three-ball at a high clip makes him a potential long-term asset for any team, especially one like the Celtics, who prioritize spacing the floor and spreading the offense.

Defense: While Nesmith is known for his offensive game, he is also a solid defender. His athleticism and length allow him to guard multiple positions, and his competitiveness on that end of the floor has been noted by his coaches. Although he still has areas to refine in terms of footwork and consistency, Nesmith has shown the ability to be a plus defender, especially when guarding smaller perimeter players.

Versatility: Nesmith’s ability to play multiple roles for his team is a key strength. While he is primarily known for his shooting, his athleticism also allows him to contribute as a slasher and cutter. He can attack closeouts and finish around the rim, making him a more versatile offensive player. His ability to play off the ball and be a catch-and-shoot threat gives his team flexibility in how they use him.

Basketball IQ: Nesmith has shown a solid basketball IQ, especially for a young player. His ability to read defenses, understand spacing, and contribute to team play has been praised by coaches and analysts. This basketball IQ, combined with his shooting and defense, makes him a well-rounded player with a lot of upside.

Future Outlook

As of the 2023-2024 NBA season, Aaron Nesmith is entering the prime years of his career. The Celtics, who continue to contend for an NBA championship, rely on Nesmith’s ability to provide shooting and defense off the bench. With the continued development of his game, Nesmith has the potential to become a key player for the Celtics in the coming years. If Nesmith can continue to improve his consistency as a shooter and defender, he could one day earn a starting spot on a team looking for a versatile wing. His work ethic and dedication to improving his game make it likely that he will continue to develop into a more complete player as his career progresses.

FAQs

What are Aaron Nesmith’s career stats in the NBA?

As of 2025, Aaron Nesmith has averaged about 6-8 points, 3-4 rebounds, and 1 assist per game throughout his NBA career. His shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, is one of his strengths. While his offensive numbers may not be as high as some other young players, he’s known for his defensive prowess and his ability to contribute in a variety of ways for his team.

What is Aaron Nesmith’s shooting percentage?

Aaron Nesmith has shown notable improvement in his shooting, particularly from three-point range. Over his career, he has shot approximately 35-38% from beyond the arc, which makes him a reliable shooter for the Pacers. His field goal percentage typically hovers around 43-45%. His free-throw percentage is around 75-80%, which is solid for a wing player.

How many points does Aaron Nesmith average per game?

Aaron Nesmith’s points per game (PPG) typically range from 6 to 10 points depending on the season. He’s been able to increase his scoring average over time as he’s gained more confidence and playing time with the Pacers. His ability to contribute off the bench or in a starting role has been valuable to his team.

How many rebounds does Aaron Nesmith grab per game?

As a wing player, Aaron Nesmith is also known for his rebounding ability. He averages around 3-5 rebounds per game, which is impressive for a player of his size and position. His hustle and energy make him a valuable asset on the glass, especially for a team like the Pacers that thrives on active defense and transition play.

What position does Aaron Nesmith play?

Aaron Nesmith primarily plays as a small forward or shooting guard. His versatility allows him to switch between these positions depending on the team’s lineup and the game situation. His size (6’5″ and 213 pounds) allows him to be effective both as a perimeter shooter and as a defender against opposing wings and guards.

In Summary

Aaron Nesmith’s journey in the NBA has been one of steady development and growth. From his standout college career at Vanderbilt to his selection by the Boston Celtics in the 2020 NBA Draft, Nesmith has quickly established himself as a promising young talent. With his shooting ability, defense, and versatility, Nesmith has the potential to be a key contributor for the Celtics and a future star in the league.

As the 2023-2024 season unfolds, basketball fans will be watching closely to see how Nesmith’s game continues to evolve. His development will be a key factor for the Celtics as they look to build for the future, and it will be exciting to see where his journey takes him in the coming years.

To read more, Click Here .