Having All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup requires a lot of spacing on the floor. In this regard, the Milwaukee Bucks can fulfill that requirement by picking G League star Tyler Smith in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.
After a standout high school stint, Smith emerged as a five-star recruit a top player in the Class of 2023. As a result, he received offers from various programs, such as Baylor, Kansas, Florida State, Texas, Memphis, LSU, and Oklahoma.
Smith chose not to go through college and played for Overtime Elite, a professional league based in Atlanta for players aged between 16 and 20 years old. Over the two seasons he played there, the talented power forward averaged 15.7 points on 47 percent shooting from the field, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
Once his two-year stint in OTE was done, Smith signed up with the G League Ignite and played one season there. In the 16 games he played as a backup power forward, he tallied averages of 14.3 points on 35 percent shooting from deep, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per contest.
G League Star Tyler Smith Named As Potential Draft Pick For Milwaukee Bucks
Later this month, the Bucks have two picks to use for the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. As explained in an article by Zach Buckley for Bleacher Report, one of those picks can be used to select Smith.
“The Bucks will always look for ways to maximize their spacing as long as Giannis Antetokounmpo resides in the Badger State. Tyler Smith would not only bring another shot-maker to Milwaukee, but he’d also do so as a 6’9″ forward with a 7’1″ wingspan.
He may never become more than a role player, but given the Bucks’ challenges of finding consistency from their support pieces—and limited means of acquiring them as an over-the-apron big-spender—they’d be thrilled to turn this pick into a reliable shooter with plenty of defensive tools,” Buckley wrote.
The Bucks placed 19th among 30 teams when it comes to defense and 11th in three-point accuracy. Smith can come in and be developed by the franchise to help Milwaukee improve those two ratings.
It remains to be seen where Smith will end up in the draft or if he doesn’t get picked at all. In any case, the forward’s talent may provide a lot of upside for the Bucks down the line.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.