Former Phoenix Suns general manager and Boston Celtics assistant general manager Ryan McDonough tweeted that concern over potential Celtics draft target Aaron Nesmith may see his draft stock slip tonight over concerns about the health of his foot, which he broke during his final season at Vanderbilt.
This seems to contradict positive accounts from the prospect shared in pre-draft media availability sessions, where Nesmith suggested he was fully healthy and ready to get back on the court.
Said McDonough on Twitter Wednesday: “Several NBA teams with top 20 picks have concerns about the right foot of Vanderbilt sniper Aaron Nesmith.”
Several NBA teams with top 20 picks have concerns about the right foot of Vanderbilt sniper Aaron Nesmith. These teams are worried that Nesmith’s foot, which he injured in January, is slow to heal. Teams picking later in the 1st round are preparing in case Nesmith slides tonight.
— Ryan McDonough (@McDNBA) November 18, 2020
“These teams are worried that Nesmith’s foot,” explained the former Celtics second-in-command, “which he injured in January, is slow to heal. Teams picking later in the 1st round are preparing in case Nesmith slides tonight.”
Given we know that the Vanderbilt sharpshooter has met with the Celtics and the existing relationship between Ainge and McDonough, it’s very possible the latter is amplifying real concerns at a critical moment with an eye for his former boss reaping the rewards.
But then, the concern over the foot is no minor one, and teams may well be getting a little gun-shy when it comes down to brass tacks, as these decisions sometimes go.
