The Indiana Pacers aren’t down and out just yet.
They’ve failed to meet expectations after a promising 2023-24 campaign. However, they’re eighth in the East, tied with the surprisingly competitive Atlanta Hawks at 18-18. They’re also just 0.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat, who are fifth and sixth in the conference standings, respectively.
Due to the Bucks’ backslide and Jimmy Butler breaking the Heat’s heart, there’s a legitimate possibility that they could slide into a top-four spot by the time the playoffs begin. Depending on how Miami chooses to resolve their fiasco with Butler, it might be sooner than that.
Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith Takes Major Step After Ankle Injury
Teams never want to put their fate in someone else hands, be it a referee or another franchise. That’s one reason why the news about Aaron Nesmith’s impending return is incredibly important.
In an update provided by Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle (h/t Indianapolis Star reporter Dustin Dopirak), the 2020 No. 14 pick is said to be ‘getting some five-on-five work.’ It’s unclear whether that’s been in contact or non-contact settings.
Asked Carlisle for an update on Aaron Nesmith. He said he’s been getting some five-on-five work. Said the reconditioning will take some time just because of how much time he’s missed.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) January 4, 2025
Nesmith has been sidelined with a severe ankle sprain, which was at one point feared to be an Achilles injury, since Nov. 1. Carlisle cautions that his reconditioning will take some time and thus, he’s still out indefinitely. Nonetheless, with the 3-and-D stud nearly past his ‘awkward injury,’ the Pacers can wipe their brow for now.
Is He Still A Starter?
Nesmith’s return may not turn out to be the primary reason the Pacers finish the season strong. Regardless, he’ll definitely provide a boost.
Much like New York Knicks wing OG Anunoby, his impact isn’t necessarily linked to his point total. The South Carolina native’s efficiency and dominant on-ball defense matter much more than how much he scores. With that in mind, Indiana ranks 11th in points per game (115.3) but just 22nd in opponent’s points per game (116.6).
There is a question about what his role will be when he comes back though.
Due to the nature of his injury, the Pacers might not want to give him the toughest defensive assignments right away. Because of the timing of it, they may not want to disrupt their first unit’s rhythm. To that point, the Pacers are now 11-5 with their current starting lineup (Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner). Lastly, whether he starts or comes off the bench, Nesmith can help the team at both ends.
Nonetheless, there’s a notable juxtaposition between his skillset and that of Nembhard or Mathurin’s.
Nesmith A Natural Fit
Unlike Nembhard or Mathurin, Nesmith’s a natural off-ball threat.
This helps the offense run smoothly because he’s better suited to capitalize off of their playmakers. It also reduces friction that can stem from having ball-dominant players stacked together. At the defensive end, Nembhard and Mathurin have both done a solid job. Still, Nesmith has a better build than Nembhard and more technical mastery than Mathurin.
If he was to replace either player in the starting lineup, Carlisle just needs to decide if he prefers to keep Nembhard’s two-way playmaking or Mathurin’s explosive scoring in the first unit.
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