Aaron Nesmith must take make-or-break leap for the Pacers

Aaron Nesmith is already a great defender, but becoming an even greater one will pay dividends for the Pacers.

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (23) in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesAaron Nesmith is already one of the Indiana Pacers' best defenders, but with Andrew Nembhard taking on a bigger offensive role, the Vanderbilt alum will need to take it up another notch this season.

The Pacers just signed Nesmith to a two-year, $40.4 million contract extension, and it's not hard to see why.

Ever since he was traded to Indiana by the Boston Celtics in 2022, the South Carolina native has established himself as one of…