Aaron Nesmith, the talented small forward for the Indiana Pacers, has been making waves in the NBA with his athleticism, shooting prowess, and relentless energy on the court. But there’s more to Nesmith’s game than meets the eye. Did you know that Aaron Nesmith is the great-grandson of James Naismith, the man who invented basketball? This incredible family legacy might just be the secret behind Nesmith’s ability to “ball” so well.
A Legacy of Basketball Greatness
James Naismith invented basketball in 1891 while working as a physical education instructor at the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Tasked with creating an indoor sport to keep athletes active during the winter, Naismith nailed a peach basket to a 10-foot-high railing and wrote the original 13 rules of the game. Little did he know that his invention would grow into a global phenomenon, with the NBA becoming one of the most popular sports leagues in the world.
Fast forward to today, and Aaron Nesmith carries this historic legacy in his blood. Born on October 16, 1999, in Charleston, South Carolina, Nesmith grew up with a natural connection to the sport. While it’s unclear how directly his family history influenced his upbringing, it’s hard to ignore the symbolic weight of being a descendant of basketball’s founder. That connection seems to fuel Nesmith’s passion and drive on the court.
Nesmith’s Rise to the NBA
Aaron Nesmith’s journey to the NBA showcases his talent and determination. He played college basketball at Vanderbilt University, where he quickly made a name for himself as a sharpshooter. During his sophomore season, Nesmith averaged 23 points per game while shooting an impressive 52.2% from three-point range, earning him All-SEC First Team honors. His scoring ability and defensive tenacity caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection as the 14th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2020 NBA Draft.
In 2022, Nesmith was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he has continued to develop into a reliable two-way player. Wearing the number 23 jersey, Nesmith has become known for his hustle, defensive intensity, and ability to knock down open shots. His energy on the court is infectious, often rallying his teammates and exciting the crowd, as seen in the image above where he’s captured mid-roar during a game.
Does Great-Grandpa Naismith Play a Role?
While basketball skills aren’t directly passed down through genetics, there’s something to be said about growing up with such a monumental family legacy. Nesmith likely knew from a young age that his great-grandfather was the architect of the game he loved. That knowledge could have instilled a sense of pride and responsibility to honor the family name, pushing him to work harder and strive for greatness.
Moreover, Nesmith’s connection to James Naismith might have given him a deeper appreciation for the game’s history and fundamentals. James Naismith emphasized teamwork, creativity, and physical fitness in his original vision for basketball—values that Nesmith embodies on the court. Whether he’s diving for a loose ball, setting a screen, or hitting a clutch three-pointer, Nesmith plays with a grit and determination that reflects the spirit of the game’s early days.
A Bright Future Ahead
At just 25 years old (as of June 2025), Aaron Nesmith is still early in his NBA career, but he’s already proving that he belongs among the league’s rising stars. His lineage as James Naismith’s great-grandson adds a fascinating layer to his story, making him a unique figure in the modern NBA. As Nesmith continues to grow with the Pacers, fans can’t help but wonder how far he’ll take his great-grandfather’s legacy.
So, the next time you see Aaron Nesmith balling out on the court, remember: he’s not just playing for himself or his team—he’s carrying the torch of the man who started it all. Wow, what a story!