Aaron Nesmith's Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Celtics Roster
The Boston Celtics used the No. 14 pick of the 2020 NBA draft to select Vanderbilt forward Aaron Nesmith.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Aaron Nesmith
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Position: SF
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 213
Pro Comparison: Terrence Ross
Scouting Report: Nesmith's jumper could earn him a lot of money over the next decade. Even without much creativity to his ball-handling, Nesmith is lights-out shooting off the catch, and coaches will have a blast drawing up plays for the draft's best off-screen shot-maker.
This addition will help fill out Boston's roster as we move toward the 2020-21 season.
Jaylen Brown, SG: $26.8M (2024)
Kemba Walker, PG: $35.2M (2024)
Romeo Langford, SF: $3.5M (2023)
Grant Williams, SF: $2.4M (2023)
Carsen Edwards, PG: $1.5M (2023)
Marcus Smart, PG: $13M (2022)
Robert Williams, C: $1.9M (2022)
Jayson Tatum, SF: $7.5M (2021)
Daniel Theis, PF: $5M (2021)
Vincent Poirier, C: $2.6M (2021)
Javonte Green, G: $1.2M (2021)
Aaron Nesmith, SF: Rookie scale contract (2024)
Gordon Hayward, SF: Player option
Enes Kanter, C: Player option
Brad Wanamaker, PG: RFA
Semi Ojeleye, PF: Club option
Tacko Fall, C: RFA
Tremont Waters, PG: RFA
Nesmith played only 14 games in 2019-20 before a foot injury ended his season, but he showcased tons of upside when he was on the court.
The 6'6" wing lit up the scoreboard in the first two months of the year, averaging 23 points while shooting 52.2 percent from three-point range. He averaged 4.3 made threes per game, knocking down at least seven deep shots in four different games.
Consistent shooting from inside the arc and the free-throw line helped Nesmith equal a 65.9 effective field-goal percentage, which would have ranked fifth in the country if he had qualified, per Sports Reference.
He also displayed active hands defensively with an average of 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.
This makes Nesmith an exciting prospect, especially with the extended offseason giving him more time to fully recover from his injury.
There are still concerns about Nesmith, especially considering his big numbers came against weaker competition. He only played one power conference opponent last season, and the overall production was a major jump from his 11.0 points per game as a freshman.
With just 0.9 assists per game as a sophomore, he could also improve his passing and ability to create for others.
Still, the Celtics believe they have found a steal with the 21-year-old.
Adding one of the best shooters in the class gives the team someone who can help right out of the gate and fits perfectly in the current rotation.
