Boston Celtics: 3 ways Aaron Nesmith can improve in 2021-22

Area of improvement for Aaron Nesmith No. 2) Polish passing touch

Every developing shooter in the NBA comes to a crossroads at some point in their career, and depending on which path they take, they can either take the next step in improving their game or remain just a shooter.

This crossroads comes in the form of decision-making.

When movement shooters face traps or higher coverages that they can’t shoot over, most become obsolete in the halfcourt like Joe Harris, for example. There are a few ways around this learning curve, and one of those ways is becoming an elite extra passer.

Take Jae Crowder, for example, who has made his NBA career a 3-and-D role player cycling between contenders.

What makes Crowder so unique on offense is he can provide more value outside of his shooting. His large frame and grit make him an excellent screen setter, but he can also value when the ball is in his hands without ever having to shoot it.

Crowder is one of the best extra passers in the league; he is insanely disciplined and has good enough vision to read the play and move the ball from side to side.

Nesmith will have to develop this extra passing skill set if he wants to function beside two ball-dominant wings.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will create a lot of open looks for Nesmith, but it’s up to the soon-to-be sophomore to be able to handle the pressure when defenses catch onto him.

All this leap takes is some added discipline and learning the tendencies of defenses and his teammates, which I am sure Nesmith can do.