How Aaron Nesmith’s development can be key for the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are surging. Currently sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 37-27 the C’s are shaping into what us sports fans have always viewed them as: contenders.

Led by the likes of star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, this team has quickly silenced the haters who preached to separate this dynamic duo.

Winners of 14 games over their last 17, the pieces are finally falling into place. There is still room for improvement, with some of it being the development of Aaron Nesmith.

Entering his second year, the former lottery pick appeared to be a guy who was ready to crack the rotation heading into the season.

Towards the back half of last season, he was seeing consistent minutes off the bench and looked like the guy the team envisioned him to be when he was drafted 14th overall.

However, the hopes of seeing improvement out of him haven’t exactly panned out. Ime Udoka, in his first year as the C’s new coach, has played a tight eight-man rotation for most of the year, and has given more minutes to veterans than to youngsters.

It’s had a lingering effect on Nesmith’s development, with him seeing a lot of DNP’s along the way. When he has played, he’s been hot and cold, mainly due to his inconsistency with playing time.

The question with Aaron Nesmith is: can he be a true difference-maker for this team?

To me, the answer is yes.

Back in his college days playing for Vanderbilt University, he was best known for being a 3-and-D wing. In today’s NBA, such a player is viewed as a high-end commodity.

Some high-end examples of 3-and-D individuals in today’s league include guys like Paul George, Khris Middleton, & Klay Thompson.

Now, though may not have the ceiling as these guys, his potential can make him become a role-playing starter, or a solid sixth or seventh man that can contribute to winning.

When one looks at the Boston Celtics’ current bench unit, it’s very thin.

By having an extra spark plug off the bench who can shoot and defend, it’ll not only lead them to more wins but it’ll certainly help them once the postseason rolls around, where depth is imperative.

Aaron Nesmith’s development and future opportunities are key.

It all depends on Udoka’s management of his rotations at this point, and if he can allow more minutes to open up to him.

On Nesmith’s part, he can continue to make the best of his chances when they are presented to him, and maybe that will allow him to really flourish and make strides which, in turn, could prove to be a major boost for the Boston Celtics moving forward.