Aaron Nesmith Avoids Serious Injury But Expected to Miss Time for Pacers

Aaron Nesmith is expected to miss some time, though head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed he avoided a serious injury. Nesmith established himself as an NBA rotation player in 2023-24, finishing as a borderline top-100 player in standard formats, averaging 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.9 three-pointers, and 1.6 combined steals and blocks in 27.7 minutes. This followed a breakout 2022-23 season with the Pacers where he posted career-highs of 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 three-pointers in 24.9 minutes after unproductive seasons in Boston. His path to minutes with Indiana is now clouded by the additions of Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker. Drafted 14th overall in 2020 by the Celtics, Nesmith was known for his elite college three-point shooting (52.2% at Vanderbilt). While his rookie season showed defensive intensity and improved shooting, a stacked depth chart in Boston limited his opportunities.