Nessie over Romeo.
….and is not that close. Defense is arguably a wash, but Nessie’s offense is already better (strictly eye test).
Also, I like Nesmith instincts and energy better.
I respect this take, but the defense is not a wash. Langford is a much better defender than Nesmith.
Yeah, especially on-ball defense. Langford is miles better at staying in front of his man and cutting off angles. For a player who seems to have athletic ability, it’s striking to see Nesmith let offensive players get right by him; not sure what’s missing.
That happened in one summer league game. His entire rookie season Nesmith’s defense was fine or better.
I really disagree with this take. I saw a guy who played with a lot of effort and hustle, such that he made some very nice plays, but who more often than not was out of position/would get beat off the dribble. He played very out of control. He’s a rookie and I’m not writing him off, because he looks to have the physical ability, but “fine” is not at all how I’d describe Nesmith’s defense. I’d call it an adventure.
Here is a nice example at 2.10. He challenges the pass to Tim Hardaway Jr (who is no slouch), recovers and challenges two direction changes with Hardaway's dribble. He is certainly capable, he just needs to learn not to over-commit, basically.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsy8iR_sn4o
That was good defense, and it's funny that you referenced it because I specifically remember that play as I was relatively shocked that he did so well. But it was relatively rare compared to the times guys got the corner on him, which was almost every time they tried at the beginning of the season. He was plain awful. The question about nesmith's defense is whether it's mostly physical, mental, or emotional. I guess you can throw experience in there somewhere too.
If it's physical (i.e., lateral quickness), then it's pretty much always going to be an issue. His offense may or may not be good enough to ignore but just for perspective, I think guys like Duncan Robinson and Reddick are actually better at moving their feet right now than Nesmith. Yes, they've been in the league longer than nesmith could be just fine over time. But that's where I think he's at with no assurances.
The other two possibilities (mental and emotional) would be more likely to correct. Yeah, he simply needs to calm down and I think he can. We saw some of that in summer league, albeit it was summer league. It's also possible that his mind isn't allowing him to react quick enough right now. I see that differently than lateral quickness and maybe that too can improve.
We shall see but I would say emphatically that his defense is a far cry from fine. It's awful, and he needs to improve to have a chance.