Nesmith Thrives with Pacers After Trade from Celtics

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — Aaron Nesmith is showcasing his skills for the Indiana Pacers, appearing in the NBA Finals after a challenging start with the Boston Celtics. Drafted 14th overall in 2020, Nesmith played his first two seasons in Boston before being traded to the Pacers in the Malcolm Brogdon deal.

His father, William Nesmith, described the moment Aaron learned about his trade as a shock. ‘He was disappointed. He liked playing for Boston. He was actually out playing golf when he got the call,’ William said. ‘He didn’t know. So, he was blindsided by it and wasn’t so happy about that.’

Nesmith has developed into a strong 3-and-D player with impressive playoff performances. This postseason, he averages 13.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists over 20 games, shooting nearly 50 percent from three-point range. His significant contributions helped the Pacers tie their Finals series 2-2 with the Oklahoma City Thunder, heading into Game 5.

The Celtics, who ultimately won the 2024 NBA Finals, also moved Brogdon in a later deal involving Jrue Holiday. ‘I’m never ever going to be angry at Boston because Boston picked him up in the lottery with a broken foot,’ William Nesmith added. ‘It didn’t seem like it was going to work out in Boston. So, I was happy when he came over here and he got a chance to play.’