It may not have started off with a bang, but it’s hard to look at Boston Celtics rookie small forward Aaron Nesmith’s inaugural campaign with his new team as anything but a success, the South Carolina native having earned himself a role in the team’s rotation.
While the speed and length of the NBA game may have initially cowed the Vanderbilt product as it does many a rookie joining the Association, Nesmith would find his way first on defense, then as an offensive perimeter threat off the bench as he grew comfortable with how the pro game was played over the course of the 2020-21 season.
Averaging 4.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting a very healthy 37% from beyond the arc on 2.3 attempts per game, Nesmith’s most surprising value has been as an energy defender — ironic for someone seen as the best shooter in the draft.
Watch the highlight reel assembled by YouTuber Tomasz Kordylewski embedded above to see the best of his play from his rookie season.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
