The NBA season is over and now we can look forward to the 2020 NBA Draft. Though it should’ve happened months ago, it will now take place on November 18th. One of the most exciting prospects in the draft is Vanderbilt wing, Aaron Nesmith. Nesmith was one of the country’s best shooters until an injury sidelined him in early January. He was averaging 23 points per game on 51% from the field and 53% from 3. He will be one of the most interesting prospects in this draft, so let’s take a look at what he brings to the table.
Scoring Machine
Nesmith is a lights out shooter. Hitting 3s at 52.2% on 8 attempts a game is unbelievable. No other shooter in the country can claim such a feat. While it was only in 14 games against weaker competition, Nesmith’s mechanics are sound. He is great at catch and shoot, which is where most of the scoring came from. Nesmith is also quick enough to get open off screens and has a 6’10 wingspan, which will allow him to shoot over taller defenders. All these should serve him well when he gets into the NBA. Nesmith also is excellent inside the arc and can hit consistent midrange shots.
Nesmith is also very aggressive when attacking the rim, quick when getting the ball to decide either to attack or shoot. Though his finishing will need some more refining, he is very good on a straight line to the basket. Heading into the 2020 NBA Draft he is an ideal scoring option.
Great Team Player
Nesmith not only can score but does a bit of everything. He works hard on defense, sets picks, makes smart plays, and generally makes smart decisions whether on or off the ball. Nesmith is an unselfish player who’s been praised for his maturity and attitude. Nesmith also generally a solid passer, who finds the right man and is able to swing the ball to the open man if opponents double him. These are all good qualities that should serve him well in the NBA. he also has an NBA ready body and should not have much trouble filling into his body or being bullied by NBA players.
Weaknesses
Perhaps the weakest part of his game, Nesmith struggles tightly at a time to create for himself off the bounce. He generally struggles against better defenders and though scored at a highly efficient pace this past season, he did not face the better SEC teams where he this would have been more of a problem. His movement is also very rigid and not very fluid, so this also might hurt him when trying to create for himself. His ball-handling has also been questionable at times, which will also inhibit his ability to expand and improve his game.
For as much as Nesmith can be praised for his good basketball IQ, he also has a penchant for taking heavily contested and difficult shoots. This should hopefully go way with better coaching and time in an NBA system. It should be noted that a lot of the scoring weight was put on him so there is that to keep in mind.
2020 NBA Draft Comparison: Robert Covington
Covington and Nesmith fit the same mold: 3 and D. Both strong shooters who also are good on defense. I feel that Nesmith is a better scorer than Covington, he has more tools and skills than Covington, but Covington’s defense is better. Nesmith is also much more of a pure shooter and has better shot mechanics as well. That being said Covington’s movement is much more fluid and natural than Nesmith. Nesmith has a better basketball IQ, will come to the NBA with an “NBA ready body”, and will likely start playing right away. I think Nesmith has a higher ceiling than Covington as well.
