Boston Celtics: Aaron Nesmith is poised to become a key contributor

After a slow start to his rookie campaign with the Boston Celtics, it appears that Aaron Nesmith has finally started to figure things out at the NBA level and transition into what looks like a capable and confident player. However, the Celtics will need more production out of the rookie wing as the second half of the season continues on post-All-Star break.

At a time when the Boston Celtics needed one of their young players to step up and make a contributing impact for their team, it was Nesmith who felt it was time to make his presence known on the court for the Celtics and their fans. But due to the scheduling causing a lack of practice time availability this season, proving himself would be a task that’s easier said than done for Nesmith.

Aaron Nesmith is poised to make an impact for the Boston Celtics throughout the second half of the season

The self-proclaimed sharpshooter from Vanderbilt has appeared in 18 games this season and is averaging only 4.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game this season. Although his offensive production hasn’t been as advertised throughout the first half of the season, Nesmith has surprisingly made an impact on the defensive end of the court, a part of his game which wasn’t advertised as much prior to the season.

It’s fair to say that Nesmith has seen an increase in his minutes due to his efforts on defense. In doing so, Nesmith has been the first player off the bench for the Celtics in recent games. And as of late, the rookie has provided solid defense from the wing position, which is a variable that has negatively impacted this team all season. Furthermore, Nesmith has done a great job of trying to fill the defensive hole left by Marcus Smart and Romeo Langford, who are both sidelined with injuries.

It’s worth mentioning that in addition to the lack of team practices, Nesmith also won’t be able to benefit from the G League this season, which is a great developmental tool for rookies and rising players. But due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Maine Red Claws made the decision to opt out of the 2020-21 season.

With that being said, Nesmith is still able to find the time to put in the extra work and sharpen his game with the little bit of spare time that he does have. As of lately, we’re noticing his hard work is starting to pay off. However, unlike most fans, Celtics coach Brad Stevens wasn’t too surprised by the recent production and effort from his rookie.

"“Well I get a chance to see him almost every day do his individual work. I know what he’s going through every day, I know the progressions of work that he’s going through, I know how much he and Joe Mazzulla are covering in their individual work and in their preparation. And so I think a lot of it was we felt like he was ready to really contribute.” – Brad Stevens, per Brian Robb of MassLive"

It’s worth mentioning that Nesmith was coached by former NBA first-round draft pick and All-Star, Jerry Stackhouse, while at Vanderbilt for two years from 2018-2020. In a recent interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics insider Chris Forsberg on his Celtics Talk Podcast, Stackhouse expressed that the Celtics got a real steal in Nesmith 14th overall.

"“I just think he’s one of those sponges. He’s probably put a ton of pressure on himself being a lottery pick and not playing a ton early on, so he wants to try to prove to everybody in Boston that they made the right decision, so you guys got that working for you as a Boston fan that this kid is going to continue to try to prove everybody that he belongs where he is, and I think that’s going to allow him to flourish and become who he needs to be for them.” – Jerry Stackhouse, per Chris Forsberg on The Celtics Talk Podcast"

Stackhouse continued:

"“They got a steal, man. The character and what he’s going to bring to them on the court, it’s going to be special. Once he gets it, look out. He’s going to do everything he can to stay there.” – Jerry Stackhouse, per Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston"

As this first half of the season nears its end, the Boston Celtics have some work to do to get themselves back up top in the Eastern Conference. It’s fair to say that the Celtics will be looking to see if Nesmith grows into a larger role for the team after the All-Star break. “Once Nesmith gets it”, as Stackhouse suggested, he can help the Celtics climb back up the rankings in the East this season.