Aaron Nesmith has been a breakout performer for the Indiana Pacers this season. The young forward has carved out a vital role in head coach Rick Carlisle’s NBA Finals rotation thanks to a rare blend of skill, drive, and, above all, a relentless commitment to daily improvement.
Originally selected 14th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, Nesmith struggled to find his footing during his first two seasons. But after being traded to Indiana, he found his stride under Carlisle’s guidance.
Over three seasons with the Pacers, Nesmith has averaged 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game-steady improvement born from his work ethic and personal mantra: get 1% better every day.
The meaning behind the ink
Speaking to the media this week, Nesmith was asked by Marca TV’s Nacho Garcia about the tattoo of a battery on his right arm, seemingly stuck at a 1% charge. At first, the forward laughed it off: “They call me Double A here in Indy.”
But the meaning runs deeper. “The 1% is just about being 1% better today than you were yesterday,” Nesmith explained. “In 100 days, you’ll be 100% better.” Judging by his performance-and growth-Nesmith has lived up to the inked message.
Game 7: Charging up
Indiana faces the Oklahoma City Thunder this Sunday in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Through the series, Nesmith has played a pivotal role, averaging 10.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and one assist per game.
If he’s kept up his 1% daily climb, he’ll be roughly 16% better than he was at the series’ start. Whether that boost tips the scale in Indiana’s favor remains to be seen-but Thunder fans may want to keep an eye on the guy with the battery tattoo.
Read the full article here
