This Overtime Elite and G League Ignite prospect is looking to make waves.
The G League Ignite will most likely have another prospect coming out of their program to get drafted to an NBA team, and his name is Tyler Smith. Smith did not take the traditional route for his journey to the NBA at all, playing for Overtime Elite in Atlanta and then opting to go play for the Ignite.
The left-handed prospect showcased his array of skills no matter where he was, and he can pan out to be a lengthy forward that can do multiple things on the court. At 6-foot-11 and weighing 224 lbs., Smith has the ability to be in big or small lineups, and his offensive game will allow him to do that. Smith averaged 13.7 points per game for the Ignite and shot 36 percent from three, mostly as a spot-up or catch-and-shoot player. If Smith has to create his own shot, he’s shown that he can put the ball on the floor for a mid-range shot.
His athleticism is what jumps off the screen as well, as he’s aggressive when it comes to catching lobs or catching bodies in the restricted area. He also has a niche for running in transition and finishing at the rim, which are easy points for him and his team. With his ability to shoot and finish strong at the rim, he could exceed as a pick-and-pop and pick-and-slip player.
Defensively, Smith still has a few things to work on, which include his point of attack defense and post defense. Smith isn’t the strongest guy, so if the opposing player has an advantage down in the paint, he might not be able to overcome the physicality. He’s not the biggest rebounder, but he’s shown the ability to create second chance points through of his high energy play. As Smith develops in the league, the hope is that he can get to a point where he’s strong enough to play the 5 in small-ball situations.
Smith is also not much of a playmaker, but he may not be asked to do much of that in his career. He made a few nice passes in the Ignite, but if he’s able to become a consistent short roll threat with this offensive game, it opens up many things for the team that drafts him.
Smith is projected to get drafted late first-round or early second-round, which can set him up for being a solid role player for a good team. With his athleticism, ability to space the floor, and high energy, he will be someone teams want in their rotation.