Aaron Nesmith, who once spent most of the 2022 NBA Finals on the Boston Celtics’ bench, has transformed into a pivotal player for the Indiana Pacers as they advance in the 2025 playoffs. Despite the depth of the Celtics’ roster at the time, which limited Nesmith’s playing time, he has flourished in his new environment, showing his ability to make an impactful contribution.
During the Pacers’ playoff run, Nesmith played an essential role in their Game 1 victory over the New York Knicks, showcasing his shooting skills despite dealing with an ankle injury. Currently, Indiana leads the Eastern Conference Finals 3-1, with Game 5 set to take place on Thursday evening in New York.
The retrospect has raised questions among Celtics fans about whether retaining Nesmith could have been beneficial, especially considering his performance with the Pacers. However, with the Celtics winning the 2024 championship and embarking on a successful season following the trade, it seems both teams have found their paths. Nesmith’s departure came as part of the Malcolm Brogdon deal in the summer of 2022, which ultimately helped the Celtics secure their title run.
In Indiana, Nesmith’s career took off; he played 73 games in the 2022-23 season, including 60 starts, benefitting from increased playing time that was hard to come by in Boston. This growth opportunity allowed him to prove himself as a reliable player, now averaging 15.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in the playoffs while maintaining an impressive 51.9% three-point shooting efficiency.
Looking forward, the Pacers seem poised to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference, bolstered by standout talents like Tyrese Haliburton. Having reached the Eastern Conference Finals two consecutive years, they are on the verge of their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. With Nesmith under contract through the 2026-27 season at an affordable salary, he is likely to be an integral part of Indiana’s future aspirations.
This story highlights the importance of player development and the cyclical nature of NBA rosters. It underscores how changes can benefit both teams involved, leading to unexpected successes.