I go on record as not agreeing with the idea that "playing the kids" was not such a good idea in the first place, particularly in the case of sophomore, Aaron Nesmith.
Nesmith was my one-and-only proposed candidate to be taken by the Celtics in the 2020 NBA draft.. He seemed to be tailor-made to bring some much-needed motion offense to TD Garden . Here is some pre-draft analysis on Aaron:
"He can catch and shoot as well as anybody in this year’s class, and excels in his off-ball movement … Understands the importance of movement to free himself for looks … Very effective when catching and shooting off-ball screens and uses constant motion to get open … Muscle memory. Has a pretty quick and high release with consistent form which allows him to get his shot off in tight windows"
Notice there is no mention of "catch and shoot after lolling in the corner". But there is mention of "movement to free himself" ,"catching and shooting off ball screens" and "uses constant motion". May I suggest that 3Smith is in the wrong system.
For the 2020-21 season, NBA analysts Isiah Thomas and Dennis Scott labeled Aaron as the "most exciting rookie to watch". Well that never panned out, in large part due to a Celtics system focused on iso-ball and corner-threes.
Whatever happened to off-ball movement reminiscent of Ray Allen, Rip Hamilton and Reggie Miller? Nesmith never got the chance to play his style or get the minutes to prove his worth. He has the size, drive and skills to succeed in Boston. It's too early to give up on this youngster.
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