Title: Rediscovering the Impact of Aaron Nesmith's Return to the Pacers
DETROIT — Over two months had elapsed since Aaron Nesmith last graced the court for the Indiana Pacers. On November 1 of last year, the fifth-year forward suffered a unique ankle injury after rolling his ankle on New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green's foot. This setback kept him sidelined for an astounding 35 games. The Pacers, a team that had reached the Eastern Conference Finals the previous year, were now missing a starter.
The team managed to soldier on with Bennedict Mathurin taking on the mantle as Indiana's fifth starter. This opening five had been dominating opponents with impressive results. However, as Nesmith stepped back onto the hardwood in Detroit on Thursday night, the Pacers couldn't help but recognize the void his absence had left.
"He's a strong, athletic wing who shoots the ball well, moves, runs, and can defend. He rebounds pretty well for his position. It'll be great to have him back out there. I know he's excited," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle noted before the game. "He's worked extremely hard. His gradual recovery process has been arduous, so it's great news that he's out there tonight and I know he's looking forward to it."
Nesmith, in high spirits, couldn't wait to play. He hadn't anticipated such a lengthy absence due to his injury and had to rely on the Pacers' medical team's guidance throughout the process. This was his longest spell away from NBA action due to injury, a factor that only increased his enthusiasm for playing.
"It's been a journey. Longer than I think anybody would have wanted," Nesmith admitted of the rehab process. He ensured to listen to Indiana's training staff every step of the way. "It's been a long time. I'm excited to finally play in an NBA game again."
The Pacers, aware of Nesmith's potential impact, prepared him for a limited role. Their match against the Pistons was crucial, with both teams fighting to determine the head-to-head tiebreaker for the season. Furthermore, the Pistons fielded a formidable starting five, with Ausar Thompson, Cade Cunningham, and Tobias Harris. This meant that Nesmith had to dive straight into the action, with no opportunity for an easy introduction.
What did Aaron Nesmith's return look like for the Pacers?
He was the last starter announced for the blue and gold in Little Caesars Arena. The former lottery pick was essential to the Pacers' success against the Pistons, and they needed him to be impactful.
After just 54 seconds, Nesmith grabbed a rebound. Two minutes into the game, he attempted his first shot. Despite the pressure, he found ways to contribute to the potent Pacers offense, a trait he's consistently displayed.
At the 8:15 mark of the first quarter, Nesmith attempted his second shot - a well-executed 27-foot three-pointer. He drained it, marking his first points of the season since the second quarter of the fateful game in New Orleans. Just 1:08 later, the wing drove around a screen from Pascal Siakam and completed a challenging layup. Nesmith was back in action, demonstrating his trademark skills.
"It was good to get a couple of shots to fall early and regain my rhythm quickly," Nesmith shared after the game.
His first stint lasted for six minutes, ending with the Pacers holding a one-point lead. This dream-like start for the ascending wing saw him score five points, effectively shutting down Detroit's Tobias Harris.
Nesmith re-entered early in the second quarter, this time with a bench-filled lineup. Although he didn't contribute anything significant in terms of scoring, the Pacers had a six-point lead when he exited the court. Nesmith's presence continued to improve the team's performance.
That was it for Nesmith's night. He played 9:18 in total, contributing to the Pacers' four-point win during those minutes. Indiana never trailed from the start of the second quarter, thanks in part to Nesmith's return.
Nesmith's final stat line read nine points and one rebound. The Pistons shot 2/5 against Nesmith, and the NBA's matchup data showed his usual defensive prowess and shooting ability. He did exactly what the Pacers had expected from him since his arrival in 2022, withstanding this prolonged absence without missing a beat.
"He's Aaron Nesmith. He defends at a high level, makes open shots, plays the right way," Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton said postgame. "Just glad to have him back... he can fit anywhere."
Indiana realizes Nesmith's defensive abilities and outside shooting. His contributions have been significant since the team acquired him via trade in 2022. He earned a contract extension last summer and has become a reliable starter for the Pacers. Thursday served as a reminder of these facts.
A 35-game absence forced the Pacers to make adjustments to their playstyle. The team's lineup was slightly different, with Bennedict Mathurin stepping into Nesmith's role as the starter. Determining which player should start going forward will be a challenge, but with Nesmith back, the Pacers have more options and can be more adaptable.
This versatility was already evident in Detroit. Nesmith played in three different five-man combinations, and all three outscored the Pistons. His skills complemented whoever he was paired with, making units more complete.
"I felt good out there," Nesmith said. I didn't feel like I was a step behind. I felt like I was able to find my rhythm pretty easily."
The Pacers now face some lineup questions in the near future. Solving these challenges will be easier with Nesmith back in the lineup, a solid reminder of the versatile and reliable player the team now has in their roster.
In the game against the Pistons, Aaron Nesmith, the Indiana Pacers' fifth-year forward who had been sidelined due to an ankle injury, made his return to the court.pseudo-code: if nesmith_injured then return false else begin write_sentence1: Nesmith returned to the court for the Pacers in Detroit, delivering a much-needed boost to their lineup. write_sentence2: Above all, the Pacers were thrilled to have their strong, athletic wing back, known for his defensive prowess and outside shooting ability.
