The last time Aaron Nesmith was in the NBA Finals, for the most part, all he could do was watch from the bench. Back then, he was a second-year pro who couldn’t get off the Celtics bench as they fell in six games to the Warriors.

Now, Nesmith is back on the sport’s greatest stage as a member of the Pacers. He’s been a crucial part of their playoff run, raising his profile as a 3-and-D wing. The Pacers face the Thunder in Game 1 of the Finals set for 8:30 p.m. Thursday in Oklahoma City.

“We just learned how hard it is to get here and not taking being in this position for granted,” Nesmith said at Finals media day. “Understanding most guys don’t play this long into the season, into the year. Just having our bodies right, our legs underneath us. I think it’s very helpful.”

The Pacers got back to this stage for the first time since 2000 by beating the Knicks in six games. They also upset the No. 1-seeded Cavaliers in the second round after downing Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in the first round. The Pacers had some wild finishes on their way to the Finals as they’re looking for their first NBA title in franchise history.

Nesmith has been there just about every step of the way. In 16 playoff games, Nesmith is averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists, making 50% of his 3-pointers. His massive night was Game 1 of the East Finals, when the Pacers shocked the Knicks in a stunning comeback overtime win.

So this time, he won’t be watching the Finals from the bench. Nesmith spent the first two seasons of his career with the Celtics after being picked 14th overall in the 2020 draft. The Celtics roster was in win-now mode at the time, so there were only so many minutes available for Nesmith. But he’s developed his way into a legit rotation player for the Pacers — and a proven playoff performer.

While the Thunder are heavy favorites over the Pacers, that hasn’t stopped Indiana much throughout this playoff run. Nesmith figures to be a big part of the equation as the Pacers have a chance to make history.

“Continue to play Pacers basketball,” Nesmith said. “That’s what got us here. I think that’s what’s going to help us succeed in the Finals. That’s what we’re going to have to do.”