The 2020 NBA Draft will be an important event for teams to build for their future. Here is the Aaron Nesmith 2020 NBA Draft Profile.

Background

Position: Guard/Forward

Size: 6-foot-6, 213 pounds

School: Vanderbilt

Class: Sophomore

Nesmith was a four-star prospect in the 2018 recruiting class and chose to go to Vanderbilt. During his two seasons on campus, Nesmith blossomed into a good scoring threat and a solid draft prospect.

As a freshman, Nesmith put up 11 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game for the Commodores. Vanderbilt won just nine games on the season, but Nesmith got some good experience. He played in 14 games as a sophomore before missing the rest of the season with a foot injury. In those games, he showed great improvement with 23 points, 4.9 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. Vanderbilt increased their win total to 11 games, but could’ve done better had Nesmith been healthy all year.

Following the season, Nesmith declared for the 2020 NBA Draft, despite his injury. The wing is currently projected to be a mid-first-round pick if he is cleared medically.

Aaron Nesmith (Photo by vanderbilthustler.com)

Strengths

Nesmith is a three-point sharpshooter, especially this season. In his freshman season, Nesmith shot 33.7 percent from deep, but this season, he hit 52.2 percent of his threes. That is a staggering percentage, especially when it is over a 14 game stretch. He can shoot from well behind the three-point line and can shoot off the catch or dribble. His initial path to getting on the floor in the NBA is to knock down threes.

What helps make him a good shooter is his ability to move without the basketball. He has the stamina to allow him to run a lot. Nesmith is good at running off of screens and getting to open spots. Once he gets to those spots, he knocks down his shots at a high rate, which means that someone always needs to be tracking him and making sure he doesn’t get an open look.

He has a chance to develop into a good NBA defender. In his sophomore season at Vanderbilt, Nesmith averaged 1.4 steals per game. His length and instincts allow him to jump passing lanes, which leads to transition baskets. He has the necessary athleticism to guard wings at a decent rate. In the NBA, he will not be a liability defensively.

Weaknesses

He is not the best passer, as he should’ve had way more than 0.9 assists per game last season. Vanderbilt relied on him to score, but he could’ve done a better job of assisting his teammates. If he can work on his playmaking ability and he can be more than just a shooter on the offensive end of the floor.

His ball-handling can also improve. A lot of his points came from behind the three-point line, which could make him a one-trick pony in the NBA. If he improves his ball-handling, he can create shots for himself. Nesmith could get into the lane and score there or even get better opportunities to set up his teammates for baskets.

When he does drive to the basket, he needs to finish at a higher rate. His two-point shooting percentage was lower than his three-point shooting percentage during his sophomore season. He has a solid body size, but he could add more muscle to be able to finish better at the basket. In the NBA, defenders will close out on the three-point line, knowing he doesn’t pass or finish well.

Projected Draft Range: Mid-First Round Pick

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