After two seasons in Boston, the Celtics traded Aaron Nesmith—along with Daniel Theis and a first-round pick—for Malcolm Brogdon. Nesmith was selected 14th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2020 NBA Draft. with his one and only season with Boston, Brogdon went on to win the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year title before suffering an injury during the postseason.
NBA fans and “experts” tend to overreact to the greater experienced name when a team trades youth and first round draft money for an established player, which is much too common. Nesmith has let his play speak for itself when it comes to retaliation, but following a significant game this past weekend, he also posted the following on his Instagram stories:
Can’t really fault Nesmith for holding a grudge to people who called him nothing. It takes some lottery picks more than two years to break out, especially on contending teams. Good to see Nesmith thriving with more of an opportunity. His numbers have taken a major leap with the extra playing time in Indy.
The Celtics acquired Jrue Holiday in exchange for Robert Williams, two future first-round selections, and Brogdon after failing to deal him in the Porzingis deal when the Clippers changed their minds. In a sense, Stevens sent Daniel Theis and five first round picks (including the one he sent to Indiana, Williams, and Nesmith) in exchange for Holiday.
Stevens has essentially been Danny Ainge’s opposite, selling first round picks like hotcakes. When Payton Pritchard signed him to an extension at the start of this month, he did hold on to it. This month, Nesmith also received a contract extension from the Pacers.
