2 former Boston Celtics draft busts could boom in 2022-23

Former Boston Celtics draft bust No. 1) Aaron Nesmith

Shipped off in the blockbuster deal that brought Malcolm Brogdon aboard, former lottery pick, Aaron Nesmith, finds himself in a new environment with the Indiana Pacers looking to finally live up to his lofty draft status.

Taken 14th overall back in 2020, the Vanderbilt phenom was tabbed as being one of the best scorers and arguably the best shooter within his respective class after posting 23 points on 52 percent shooting from deep during his final collegiate season.

Unfortunately, Nesmith’s pro career did not get off to the swift start that many may have expected for someone of his status, as he has struggled mightily to find consistent playing time throughout his two-year career.

Having said that, from time to time the wing has certainly shown impressive flashes on the floor, particularly during his rookie campaign when he received ample run on the floor (8.6 point and 5.1 rebound averages on 42 percent shooting from deep when receiving 20+ minutes per game).

Sadly, his sophomore season proved to be a bit harder for him to find significant time on the floor as they proved to be more of contenders in 2021-22 (obviously), so Ime Udoka opted to roll out his more trusted and proven commodities to aid in their deep run.

However, now on a rebuilding and youth-movement club like Indiana, the 22-year-old now has a chance to nab some meaningful sums of minutes within the rotation.

Coming into the year without the likes of Brogdon, Domantas Sabonis, and Caris LeVert to start out the year, the Pacers will be in desperate need of some scoring punches right from the jump, and Nesmith could be the beneficiary of this depleted roster by receiving a prominent role within the rotation.

The scoring opportunities will certainly be there for the third-year baller. It’s going to be up to him to capitalize on such luxuries.