Aaron Nesmith

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Aaron Nesmith

| image = Aaron Nesmith (51688510120) (cropped).jpg

| caption = Nesmith with the Boston Celtics in 2021

| position = Small forward / shooting guard

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 6

| weight_lbs = 215

| league = NBA

| team = Indiana Pacers

| number = 23

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|10|16}}

| birth_place = Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.

| high_school = Porter-Gaud
(Charleston, South Carolina)

| college = Vanderbilt (2018–2020)

| draft_year = 2020

| draft_round = 1

| draft_pick = 14

| draft_team = Boston Celtics

| career_start = 2020

| years1 = {{nbay|2020|start}}–{{nbay|2021|end}}

| team1 = Boston Celtics

| years2 = 2022

| team2 = →Maine Celtics

| years3 = {{nbay|2022|start}}–present

| team3 = Indiana Pacers

| highlights =

}}

Aaron Joshua Nesmith ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|iː|s|m|ɪ|θ}} {{respelling|NEE|smith}}; born October 16, 1999) is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Vanderbilt Commodores before being drafted 14th overall in the 2020 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. He was part of the roster that reached the 2022 NBA Finals before he was traded to the Pacers in a package surrounding Malcolm Brogdon.

Early life

Nesmith was born on October 16, 1999 in Charleston, South Carolina. He attended Porter-Gaud School in Charleston beginning in the fifth grade and was first called up to the varsity basketball team as an eighth-grader. As a sophomore, Nesmith won the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) Class 3A state title as his team's leading scorer.{{cite web |last1=Mansfield |first1=Frankie |title=Porter-Gaud's Lanford and Nesmith: From ghost stories to championships |url=https://www.moultrienews.com/sports/porter-gaud-s-lanford-and-nesmith-from-ghost-stories-to/article_fec58da8-c597-11e7-8e07-bbbf8122beac.html |website=Moultrie News |access-date=November 15, 2019 |date=November 9, 2017 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115212938/https://www.moultrienews.com/sports/porter-gaud-s-lanford-and-nesmith-from-ghost-stories-to/article_fec58da8-c597-11e7-8e07-bbbf8122beac.html |url-status=live }} Nesmith led Porter-Gaud to two more Class 3A state championships in his final two seasons.{{cite web |last1=Shelton |first1=David |title=Porter-Gaud boys three-peat as SCISA Class AAA state champions |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/porter-gaud-boys-three-peat-as-scisa-class-aaa-state/article_12af94b6-19e5-11e8-adff-834e076e7401.html |website=The Post and Courier |access-date=November 15, 2019 |date=February 24, 2018 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115212938/https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/porter-gaud-boys-three-peat-as-scisa-class-aaa-state/article_12af94b6-19e5-11e8-adff-834e076e7401.html |url-status=live }} As a senior, he averaged 21 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game and was named South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year for his success in basketball and academics. He left high school as a three-time SCISA Class 3A player of the year.{{cite web |title=Porter-Gaud's Aaron Nesmith named Gatorade SC Player of the Year |url=https://www.live5news.com/story/37680394/porter-gauds-aaron-nesmith-named-gatorade-sc-player-of-the-year/ |website=WCSC-TV |access-date=November 15, 2019 |date=March 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115212938/https://www.live5news.com/story/37680394/porter-gauds-aaron-nesmith-named-gatorade-sc-player-of-the-year/ |url-status=live }}

Nesmith was a four star recruit in high school and was the 64th ranked player in the country, the 12th ranked shooting guard in the country, and 2nd ranked in all of South Carolina. Nesmith would end up committing to Vanderbilt on 9/19/2017.{{cite web |title=24/7 Sports Recruitment profile of Aaron Nesmith |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Aaron-Nesmith-46037774/college-221917/ |website=24/7 Sports}}

Nesmith did not receive offers from any high major NCAA Division I programs until he was a senior, but he began drawing more attention after an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina.{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Andrew |title=Porter-Gaud basketball star Aaron Nesmith defining student-athlete 'in every sense of the word' |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/porter-gaud-basketball-star-aaron-nesmith-defining-student-athlete-in/article_9c2a0e24-9286-11e7-aca2-87c8b7bf73ba.html |website=The Post and Courier |access-date=November 15, 2019 |date=December 8, 2017 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115212934/https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/porter-gaud-basketball-star-aaron-nesmith-defining-student-athlete-in/article_9c2a0e24-9286-11e7-aca2-87c8b7bf73ba.html |url-status=live }} He was rated a four-star recruit by ESPN and 247Sports and committed to Vanderbilt over offers from Florida, South Carolina, Harvard, Virginia Tech, and Columbia.{{Cite web|url=https://247sports.com/Recruitment/Aaron-Nesmith-100966/RecruitInterests/|title=Aaron Nesmith Recruit Interests|access-date=February 9, 2020|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814110235/http://247sports.com/Recruitment/Aaron-Nesmith-100966/RecruitInterests|url-status=live}}

College career

In his freshman season for Vanderbilt, Nesmith assumed an important role after Darius Garland suffered a season-ending injury and Simisola Shittu underachieved.{{cite web |last1=Bishop |first1=Chad |title=Nesmith developing into star for Vanderbilt |url=https://247sports.com/college/vanderbilt/Article/Vanderbilt-basketball-Aaron-Nesmith-emergence-129197831/ |website=247Sports |access-date=November 15, 2019 |date=February 17, 2019 |archive-date=February 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225173138/https://247sports.com/college/vanderbilt/Article/Vanderbilt-basketball-Aaron-Nesmith-emergence-129197831/ |url-status=live }} He started in a majority of his games and averaged 11 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, leading the Commodores in scoring in conference play.{{cite web |title=Aaron Nesmith |date=May 4, 2019 |url=https://vucommodores.com/roster/aaron-nesmith/ |publisher=Vanderbilt University Athletics |access-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115212938/https://vucommodores.com/roster/aaron-nesmith/ |url-status=live }} On February 18, 2019, Nesmith was named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Week following two career games. He scored a season-high 26 points against Florida and posted a double-double of 24 points and a season-high 14 rebounds against Auburn.{{cite web |title=Aaron Nesmith Named SEC Co-Freshman Of The Week |url=https://vucommodores.com/mens-basketball-aaron-nesmith-named-sec-co-freshman-of-the-week/ |publisher=Vanderbilt University Athletics |access-date=November 15, 2019 |date=February 18, 2019 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115212936/https://vucommodores.com/mens-basketball-aaron-nesmith-named-sec-co-freshman-of-the-week/ |url-status=live }}

Nesmith made his sophomore season debut on November 6, 2019, scoring 25 points, including seven three-pointers, in a win over Southeast Missouri State.{{cite web |last1=Schneider |first1=Max |title=Out with the old: Vanderbilt's win shows promise with Stackhouse at the helm |url=https://vanderbilthustler.com/28176/uncategorized/out-with-the-old-vanderbilts-win-shows-promise-with-stackhouse-at-the-helm/ |website=The Vanderbilt Hustler |access-date=January 16, 2020 |date=November 7, 2019 |archive-date=November 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108153245/https://vanderbilthustler.com/28176/uncategorized/out-with-the-old-vanderbilts-win-shows-promise-with-stackhouse-at-the-helm/ |url-status=live }} In the following week, he scored a career-high 34 points, hitting seven three-pointers, in an overtime loss to Richmond. Nesmith made four straight threes in a span of only one minute and 39 seconds.{{cite web |last1=Sparks |first1=Adam |title=Vanderbilt falls to Richmond in OT despite career nights from Aaron Nesmith, Saben Lee |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2019/11/14/vanderbilt-basketball-richmond-aaron-nesmith-saben-lee/2555050001/ |website=The Tennessean |access-date=January 16, 2020 |date=November 14, 2019 }} On December 6, Nesmith was named to the Oscar Robertson Trophy watch list.{{cite web |last1=Gallagher |first1=Michael |title=Vandy's Nesmith named to National POY watch list |url=https://www.nashvillepost.com/sports/vanderbilt-basketball/article/21104968/vandys-nesmith-named-to-national-poy-watch-list |website=NashvillePost.com |access-date=January 16, 2020 |date=December 6, 2019 |archive-date=January 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115000347/https://www.nashvillepost.com/sports/vanderbilt-basketball/article/21104968/vandys-nesmith-named-to-national-poy-watch-list |url-status=live }} On December 21, he matched his career-high of 34 points and connected on seven three-pointers in a victory over UNC Wilmington.{{cite web |last1=Hinchman |first1=Brian |title=Nesmith powers Vanderbilt past UNC Wilmington, 88-73 |url=https://apnews.com/2f9a73f138b426244d9aecebc0aca7a6 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=January 16, 2020 |date=December 21, 2019 |archive-date=December 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222193215/https://apnews.com/2f9a73f138b426244d9aecebc0aca7a6 |url-status=live }} Nesmith scored 29 points and made eight three-pointers, the best mark of his career, on January 4, 2020, as his team lost to SMU in overtime.{{cite web |last1=Gentry |first1=Jack |title=Nesmith's big night takes a backseat to another heartbreaking loss |url=https://atozsportsnashville.com/vanderbilt-basketball-nesmiths-big-night-takes-backseat-to-another-heartbreaking-loss/ |website=A to Z Sports Nashville |access-date=January 16, 2020 |date=January 4, 2020 |archive-date=March 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303151344/https://atozsportsnashville.com/vanderbilt-basketball-nesmiths-big-night-takes-backseat-to-another-heartbreaking-loss/ |url-status=live }} On January 11, 2020, it was initially announced that Nesmith would miss the remainder of the season with a right foot injury that he suffered in a loss to Auburn. In 14 games, he averaged 23 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, shooting 52.2 percent from three-point range. Nesmith was the fifth-leading scorer in the NCAA Division I and averaged the most points by a Vanderbilt player since Tom Hagan in the 1968–1969 season.{{cite web |title=Vanderbilt's Aaron Nesmith (foot) likely done for season |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28463700/vanderbilt-aaron-nesmith-foot-likely-done-season |publisher=ESPN |access-date=January 16, 2020 |date=January 11, 2020 |archive-date=January 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113001814/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28463700/vanderbilt-aaron-nesmith-foot-likely-done-season |url-status=live }} He had been on pace to have one of the best three-point shooting seasons in college basketball history.{{cite web |last1=Larson |first1=Cody |title=Following injury, Aaron Nesmith's season deserves more praise |url=https://bustingbrackets.com/2020/01/15/vanderbilt-basketball-following-injury-aaron-nesmiths-season-deserves-praise/ |website=Busting Brackets |access-date=January 16, 2020 |date=January 15, 2020 |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927142143/https://bustingbrackets.com/2020/01/15/vanderbilt-basketball-following-injury-aaron-nesmiths-season-deserves-praise/ |url-status=live }} However, after having surgery on January 28, Nesmith indicated that he might return before the end of the season.{{cite news |last1=Norlander |first1=Matt |title=Court Report: Murray State is still thriving even after losing NBA Rookie of the Year favorite Ja Morant |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/court-report-murray-state-is-still-thriving-even-after-losing-nba-rookie-of-the-year-favorite-ja-morant/ |access-date=February 6, 2020 |work=CBS Sports |date=February 5, 2020 |archive-date=February 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206004411/https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/court-report-murray-state-is-still-thriving-even-after-losing-nba-rookie-of-the-year-favorite-ja-morant/ |url-status=live }} Nesmith did not return, and after the end of the season declared for the 2020 NBA draft.{{cite news |last1=Boone |first1=Kyle |title=2020 NBA Draft: Vanderbilt star Aaron Nesmith, a projected first-rounder, declares and intends to hire agent |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2020-nba-draft-vanderbilt-star-aaron-nesmith-a-projected-first-rounder-declares-and-intends-to-hire-agent/ |access-date=March 26, 2020 |work=CBS Sports |date=March 26, 2020 |archive-date=March 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326181723/https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2020-nba-draft-vanderbilt-star-aaron-nesmith-a-projected-first-rounder-declares-and-intends-to-hire-agent/ |url-status=live }}

Professional career

=Boston Celtics (2020–2022)=

==2020–21 season: Rookie year==

Nesmith was selected with the 14th pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics.{{cite news |last1=Bilodeau |first1=Kevin |title=Porter-Gaud alum Aaron Nesmith taken in 1st round of NBA Draft by Boston Celtics |url=https://www.live5news.com/2020/11/18/porter-gaud-alum-aaron-nesmith-taken-st-round-nba-draft-by-boston-celtics/ |access-date=November 18, 2020 |work=Live 5 News |date=November 18, 2020 |archive-date=November 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119040248/https://www.live5news.com/2020/11/18/porter-gaud-alum-aaron-nesmith-taken-st-round-nba-draft-by-boston-celtics/ |url-status=live }} On November 24, 2020, the Boston Celtics signed Nesmith to a four-year, $16.5 million rookie contract including team options in the third and fourth year.{{cite web|title=Celtics Sign Nesmith, Pritchard|url=https://www.nba.com/celtics/news/pressrelease/celtics-sign-nesmith-pritchard|date=November 24, 2020|website=nba.com|access-date=November 24, 2020|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207130041/https://www.nba.com/celtics/news/pressrelease/celtics-sign-nesmith-pritchard|url-status=live}} With fellow rookie teammate Payton Pritchard absorbing many of injured Kemba Walker's minutes, it was difficult for Nesmith to crack the regular rotation for the first few months of the season. With injuries and Covid protocols plaguing the Celtics all season, extended absences from Marcus Smart, Kemba Walker, and other key players gave Nesmith enough opportunities to showcase not only his shooting capabilities, but also his gritty hustle and winning attitude.{{Cite web|url = https://celticswire.usatoday.com/2021/04/13/nba-boston-celtics-nesmith-lucky-rooks/|title = WATCH: Celtics rookie Aaron Nesmith's energy and effort earn him a role|date = April 13, 2021|access-date = June 11, 2021|archive-date = June 11, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210611222820/https://celticswire.usatoday.com/2021/04/13/nba-boston-celtics-nesmith-lucky-rooks/|url-status = live}} By April 23, 2021, coach Brad Stevens had seen enough from the rookie to warrant consistent rotation playing time to which he hovered around 20 minutes per game for the rest of the regular season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nesmiaa01/gamelog/2021|title=Aaron Nesmith 2020-21 Game Log|access-date=June 11, 2021|archive-date=June 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611222817/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nesmiaa01/gamelog/2021|url-status=live}} On April 28, 2021, Nesmith put on a show with multiple career–highs including 15 points, 9 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks in a winning effort against the Charlotte Hornets.{{Cite web|url = https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-news-aaron-nesmith-is-first-boston-celtics-rookie-with-15-points-3-steals-and-blocks-since-paul-pierce|title = Nesmith is first Celtics rookie since Paul Pierce with 15+ points, 3+ steals/Blocks|date = April 29, 2021|access-date = June 11, 2021|archive-date = June 11, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210611222819/https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-news-aaron-nesmith-is-first-boston-celtics-rookie-with-15-points-3-steals-and-blocks-since-paul-pierce|url-status = live}} He continued this momentum into the next two games where he eclipsed, and then matched, his then career–high with back to back 16 point performances.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nesmiaa01/gamelog/2021|title=Aaron Nesmith 2020-21 Game Log|access-date=June 11, 2021|archive-date=June 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611222817/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nesmiaa01/gamelog/2021|url-status=live}}

==2021–22 season: First NBA Finals appearance==

He played for the Celtics in the 2021 NBA summer league.{{Cite web|title=Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks Aug 8, 2021 Box Scores {{!}} NBA.com|url=https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-atl-1522100001/box-score#box-score|access-date=2021-08-08|website=www.nba.com|archive-date=August 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809081435/https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-atl-1522100001/box-score#box-score|url-status=live}} On February 15, 2022, Nesmith recorded his Celtic career–high with 18 points in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers.{{Cite web|title=WATCH: Boston's Aaron Nesmith put up career-high 18 points in Philadelphia 76ers blowout|url=https://celticswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/16/nba-boston-celtics-nesmith-highlights-2-15-22/|access-date=December 29, 2022|website=CelicsWire.USAToday.com}} In his second season, Nesmith and the Celtics reached the 2022 NBA Finals and lost in 6 games to the Golden State Warriors.

= Indiana Pacers (2022–present) =

==2022–23 season: Starting role==

On July 9, 2022, Nesmith was traded, alongside Daniel Theis, Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan, Nik Stauskas and a 2023 first-round pick, to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon.{{Cite web |title=Pacers Announce Trade With Boston Celtics |url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/pacers-announce-trade-with-boston-celtics |access-date=July 9, 2022 |website=NBA}} On November 19, Nesmith scored 19 points off the bench on 5–8 three-point shooting, while making two game-winning free throws with 9.6 seconds remaining, to defeat the Orlando Magic 114–113.{{Cite web |title=Nesmith's free throws, defensive stop clinch Pacers' fourth straight win, 114-113 over Magic |url=https://www.ballysports.com/indiana/news/pacers-rally-against-magic-to-win-fourth-straight-game-of-the-season-114-113 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=BallySports.com}} On December 18, he became the Pacers starting small forward for the remainder of the season after posting new career-highs with 23 points and 10 rebounds in a loss to the New York Knicks.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Nesmith in a groove for the Indiana Pacers: 'Just playing free, playing to my strengths' |url=https://www.si.com/nba/pacers/news/aaron-nesmith-in-groove-for-indiana-pacers |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=SI.com}} On December 21, in a win over his former team, Nesmith recorded 15 points and six rebounds as a starter, defeating the Celtics 117–112.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Nesmith gives Celtics reminder of post trade potential in Pacers win over Boston |url=https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2022/12/aaron-nesmith-gives-celtics-reminder-of-post-trade-potential-in-pacers-win-over-boston.html |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=MassLive.com}} On December 29, Nesmith recorded 22 points on an efficient 7–10 shooting from the field in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Nesmith (22 Points) Highlights Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers |url=https://www.nba.com/watch/video/aaron-nesmith-22-points-highlights-vs-cleveland-cavaliers |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=NBA.com}}

On February 2, 2023, Nesmith posted a then career–high in scoring with 24 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block, on 9–12 shooting in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Nesmith (24 Points) Highlights Vs. Los Angeles Lakers |url=https://www.nba.com/watch/video/aaron-nesmith-24-points-highlights-vs-los-angeles-lakers?plsrc=nba&game-highlights=0022200778 |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=NBA.com}} On March 16, in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks, he recorded 22 points and 5 rebounds, on 8–11 shooting from the field, and a career–high 6–9 from three.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Nesmith (22 Points) Highlights Vs. Milwaukee Bucks |url=https://www.nba.com/watch/video/aaron-nesmith-22-points-highlights-vs-milwaukee-bucks |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=NBA.com}} The next game, on March 18 against the Philadelphia 76ers, Nesmith tallied a then career–high in scoring with 25 points and 6 rebounds, on 9–16 shooting from the field, and 4–9 from three.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Nesmith with 25 Points vs. Philadelphia 76ers |url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/videos/aaron-nesmith-with-25-points-vs-philadelphia-76ers |access-date=March 18, 2023 |website=NBA.com}}

==2023–24 season: Contract extension==

On October 23, 2023, Nesmith agreed to a three–year $33 million contract extension with the Pacers.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/boston-celtics/ex-celtic-aaron-nesmith-takes-shot-after-career-best-game/562000/|title=Contract Extension For Aaron Nesmith A Safe Bet By Indiana Pacers|website=Forbes.com|last=East|first=Tony|date=October 31, 2023|access-date=October 31, 2023}} Five days later, Nesmith put up a new career–high 26 points along with 9 rebounds in a 125–113 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/boston-celtics/ex-celtic-aaron-nesmith-takes-shot-after-career-best-game/562000/|title=Ex-Celtic Aaron Nesmith takes shot at critics after career-best game|website=NBC Sports|last=Daly|first=Jordan|date=October 29, 2023|access-date=October 29, 2023}} On November 6, Nesmith recorded an efficient 15 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 threes made in a 41–point blowout win over rookie Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, giving head coach Rick Carlisle his 900th career win.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/haliburton-pacers-carlisle-900th-win-152-111-rout-104677194|title=THaliburton, Pacers get Carlisle his 900th win with 152-111 rout of Spurs|website=ABCNews.go.com|last=Wilson|first=Philip B.|date=November 6, 2023|access-date=November 6, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/pacers-aaron-nesmith-joins-offensive-frenzy/#:~:text=Nesmith%20closed%20with%2015%20points,game%20across%20five%20other%20contests.|title=Pacers' Aaron Nesmith: Joins offensive frenzy|website=CBSSports.com|last=Staff|first=RotoWire|date=November 7, 2023|access-date=November 7, 2023}} On December 30, Nesmith made a career-high 7 three-pointers in a victory over the New York Knicks, on a night where teammate Tyrese Haliburton tied the Pacers franchise record for assists in a game with 23.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Nesmith (25 points) Highlights vs. New York Knicks|url=https://www.nba.com/watch/video/aaron-nesmith-25-points-highlights-vs-new-york-knicks|access-date=February 19, 2024|website=NBA.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/pacers-beat-knicks/|title=Haliburton ties franchise record with 23 assists in second straight 20-20 game as Pacers beat Knicks|website=CBS News|date=December 30, 2023|access-date=February 19, 2024}}

==2024–25 season: Injury–riddled 50–40–90 season, second NBA Finals appearance==

During the 2024–25 season, Nesmith converted 50.7% of his field goals, 43.1% of his three-point attempts and 91.3% of his free throw attempts, nearly qualifying to join the 50–40–90 club.{{Citeweb|url=https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1630174?SeasonType=Regular+Season|title=Aaron Nesmith|publisher=NBA|accessdate=May 22, 2025}} On May 21, 2025, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, Nesmith had a career-high 30 points on 9-13 shooting, including a career-high 8-9 from three. Nesmith also made six consecutive threes in the final five minutes of regulation which helped the Pacers overcome a 14-point deficit in a 138–135 overtime win.{{Citeweb|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/05/22/aaron-nesmith-tyrese-haliburton-pacers-knicks-eastern-conference-finals/|title=Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith goes ‘unconscious’ with 6 late 3s to help steal Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 from Knicks|last=Frimpong|first=Fiifi|publisher=New York Daily News|date=May 22, 2025|accessdate=May 22, 2025}} Indiana went on to defeat New York in six games to win the Eastern Conference championship and advance to the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nesmith’s second appearance in the Finals, following the 2022 loss to the Golden State Warriors as a member of the Celtics.