Aaron Nesmith’s Sneaky Adjustment to Unlock His Full Potential

Aaron Nesmith, the Indiana Pacers’ 25-year-old wing, has steadily carved out a reputation as a reliable 3-and-D player in the NBA. Since being traded to the Pacers from the Boston Celtics in 2022, Nesmith has shown consistent improvement, particularly in his shooting efficiency and defensive tenacity. However, to take the next step in his career and unlock his full potential, Nesmith must focus on a subtle yet critical adjustment: enhancing his playmaking ability, specifically his passing. This change could elevate him from a valuable role player to a cornerstone for the Pacers’ championship aspirations. This article explores why improving his passing is the key to Nesmith’s growth, how it aligns with the Pacers’ needs, and the broader implications for his career and the team’s success.

Nesmith’s Current Skill Set: A Solid Foundation

Aaron Nesmith entered the NBA as the 14th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, selected by the Boston Celtics out of Vanderbilt University. Known for his elite shooting off screens and high basketball IQ, Nesmith struggled to find a consistent role in Boston’s crowded rotation. His trade to the Indiana Pacers in 2022, as part of the Malcolm Brogdon deal, marked a turning point. In Indiana, Nesmith has flourished, establishing himself as a versatile wing with a knack for efficient scoring and stout defense.

Over the past two seasons, Nesmith has posted impressive shooting splits of 50% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 83% from the free-throw line. His defensive contributions are equally notable, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter players, such as Jalen Brunson during the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. Nesmith’s ability to knock down threes and defend multiple positions has made him a coveted archetype in today’s NBA—a 3-and-D wing who can impact both ends of the floor.

In the 2024-25 season, Nesmith averaged 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc. His standout performance came in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, where he erupted for 30 points, including eight three-pointers, showcasing his ability to take over games when hot. However, despite these flashes of brilliance, Nesmith’s overall impact remains limited by his one-dimensional offensive game. To become a more complete player, he must evolve beyond being a catch-and-shoot specialist and occasional driver.

The Case for Improved Playmaking

The Indiana Pacers are a team built around speed, spacing, and ball movement, led by All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton. However, with Haliburton sidelined by injury for parts of the 2025 season, the Pacers have relied on other players to step into larger roles. Players like Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, and Jarace Walker have garnered attention for their potential breakout seasons, but Nesmith’s development is equally critical. As the Pacers aim to remain competitive in a stacked Eastern Conference, Nesmith’s ability to create for others could be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit.

Currently, Nesmith’s assist numbers are modest, averaging just 1.3 to 1.6 assists per game during the 2025 postseason. While he doesn’t need to become a Magic Johnson-level passer, improving his ability to read defenses and make smart passes could unlock new dimensions in his game. This adjustment would allow him to:

1. Create His Own Offense: With Haliburton’s absence, Nesmith may need to generate shots independently. Better passing would enable him to manipulate defenses, set up teammates, and create easier scoring opportunities for himself.
2. Enhance Team Chemistry: The Pacers thrive on ball movement, ranking among the league leaders in assists per game. Nesmith’s ability to contribute to this system by making quick, decisive passes would make the offense less predictable and more dynamic.
3. Increase His Value: Elite 3-and-D wings who can also facilitate, like Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby, command significant trade value and contract extensions. By adding playmaking to his repertoire, Nesmith could solidify his long-term role with the Pacers or become a highly sought-after asset.

Why Passing Is the Key Adjustment

Nesmith’s current offensive role primarily involves spotting up for threes, cutting to the basket, or attacking closeouts off the dribble. While effective, this approach limits his impact when defenses adjust to take away his primary strengths. For example, during the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nesmith’s scoring dipped in games where his three-point shot wasn’t falling, as seen in Game 5 where he played limited minutes due to an ankle injury and defensive adjustments by the Thunder.

Improving his passing would allow Nesmith to counter these defensive strategies. Here’s how:

• Reading Closeouts: When defenders run Nesmith off the three-point line, he often drives to the rim but rarely looks to pass. Developing the ability to find open teammates when collapsing the defense would make him a dual threat.
• Pick-and-Roll Situations: The Pacers frequently use pick-and-roll actions with big men like Myles Turner or Isaiah Jackson. Nesmith could serve as a secondary ball-handler in these scenarios, making pocket passes to rollers or kicking out to shooters.
• Transition Opportunities: Indiana’s fast-paced style relies on quick transitions. Nesmith, who has shown impressive burst on drives, could capitalize on fast breaks by delivering accurate passes to trailing shooters or cutters.

This adjustment doesn’t require a complete overhaul of Nesmith’s game. Small, incremental improvements—such as better court vision, quicker decision-making, and a willingness to pass out of drives—could yield significant results. For instance, during the 2023-24 preseason, Nesmith showed flashes of improved ball-handling and perimeter reads, suggesting he’s capable of making this leap.

Challenges and Injury Concerns

One obstacle to Nesmith’s development has been his injury history, particularly ankle issues that plagued him throughout the 2024-25 season. He missed 35 games due to an early-season ankle injury and was listed as questionable for multiple playoff games, including Game 4 against the Knicks. These injuries limited his ability to build consistent rhythm and may have hindered his confidence in taking on a larger offensive role.

Despite these setbacks, Nesmith’s resilience is evident. He returned from a nearly 11-week absence in January 2025 and played through a minutes restriction, demonstrating his commitment to the team. To fully implement the passing adjustment, Nesmith must prioritize staying healthy and maintaining the physicality that allows him to attack the rim and create passing opportunities.

How Nesmith Can Develop His Passing

To make this “sneaky” adjustment, Nesmith can take several practical steps during the offseason and regular season:

1. Film Study: Analyzing players like Khris Middleton or Desmond Bane, who excel at making smart, simple passes as secondary creators, could help Nesmith model his game. Studying their decision-making in pick-and-rolls and closeout situations would be particularly valuable.
2. Offseason Workouts: Nesmith has already shown a commitment to improving his perimeter skills, as noted during the 2023 offseason when he worked on his ball-handling and reads. Incorporating passing drills with coaches or in 3-on-3 scrimmages could hone his court vision.
3. In-Game Repetition: The Pacers’ coaching staff, led by Rick Carlisle, should give Nesmith more opportunities to handle the ball in secondary actions. Even a slight increase in pick-and-roll possessions or transition plays could build his confidence as a passer.
4. Learning from Haliburton: As one of the NBA’s premier playmakers, Tyrese Haliburton is an ideal mentor for Nesmith. Observing Haliburton’s ability to manipulate defenses and make quick reads could accelerate Nesmith’s growth.

The Pacers’ Perspective: Why This Matters

The Pacers’ decision to sign Nesmith to a three-year, $33 million contract extension before the 2023-24 season was a bet on his potential to become more than a role player. With a salary of $11 million for the 2025-26 season—only the fifth-highest on the team—Nesmith represents a cost-effective asset. However, with Haliburton’s injury and the potential free agency of Myles Turner, the Pacers need Nesmith to take on a larger role to maintain their competitiveness.

Indiana’s system thrives on versatility, and Nesmith’s ability to add playmaking to his 3-and-D skill set would make him a perfect fit. His development could also reduce the offensive burden on players like Nembhard and Mathurin, creating a more balanced attack. Furthermore, Nesmith’s defensive versatility—highlighted by his ability to contain Jalen Brunson in the playoffs—combined with improved passing could make him a Swiss Army knife for the Pacers, capable of impacting games in multiple ways.

Nesmith’s Career Trajectory and Legacy

At 25 years old, Nesmith is entering his prime, and the 2025-26 season could be a defining one. If he successfully incorporates better passing into his game, he could elevate his status from a solid starter to a borderline All-Star caliber player. This adjustment would not only benefit the Pacers but also increase Nesmith’s market value as he approaches the final year of his contract in 2026-27.

From a broader perspective, Nesmith’s journey reflects the modern NBA’s emphasis on versatility. Teams no longer want one-dimensional players; they seek wings who can shoot, defend, and facilitate. Nesmith’s transformation from a lottery pick who struggled in Boston to a key piece for a championship-hopeful Pacers team is already a success story. By making this sneaky adjustment to his passing, he could cement his legacy as one of the league’s premier two-way wings.

Aaron Nesmith stands at a crossroads in his career. His elite shooting and defensive prowess have already made him a valuable asset for the Indiana Pacers, but unlocking his full potential requires a subtle yet impactful adjustment: becoming a better passer. By improving his court vision, decision-making, and ability to create for teammates, Nesmith can elevate his game and help the Pacers compete in a tough Eastern Conference. With the right focus and development, this sneaky adjustment could transform Nesmith into the complete player Indiana needs to shock the basketball world once again.

Sources:

• 8points9seconds.com, “Aaron Nesmith must make sneaky adjustment to unlock his full potential”
• Times of India, “Pacers Face Potential Game 4 Shake-Up With Concerning Last-Minute Aaron Nesmith Injury Update”
• EssentiallySports, “TNT’s Allie LaForce Announces Troubling News On Aaron Nesmith’s Injury”
• RotoWire, “Aaron Nesmith News: Upgraded to available”
• 8points9seconds.com, “Aaron Nesmith has quietly transformed into crucial piece every contender covets”
• 8points9seconds.com, “Pacers genius trade for Aaron Nesmith looks even better after revelation”
• RotoWire, “Aaron Nesmith News: Catches fire in comeback win”