Tyler

Smith

Smith isn’t part of the team’s rotation when healthy, so this won’t impact fantasy basketball.

Smith isn’t part of the team’s rotation when healthy, so his status for this game will not impact fantasy basketball.

A stretch four who played with lottery picks Ron Holland and Matas Buzelis with G League Ignite, Smith was an early-second round pick last month. The perimeter shooting ability was displayed in his summer opener, and Smith played a relatively efficient game. Like Bucks first-round pick AJ Johnson, Smith offers considerable upside that may not be fully realized during his rookie season. He’ll be a better option for dynasty leagues than redrafts, as Milwaukee will prioritize its veterans in the franchise’s quest for an NBA title.

Smith was one of the prospects who chose the G League Ignite route instead of playing collegiately. He may have been overshadowed by Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland, but Smith still showed out. He played 22 minutes per game and only started twice, but he still averaged 13.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.0 blocks and 1.4 triples per game. The 6’10” lefty showed off his athleticism by throwing down plenty of highlight dunks last season, but his strength is that he’s a stretch four. The defense needs work, but he has the athletic tools to develop, and he has already showcased talent as a shot blocker. The Bucks have now added two young, raw prospects in the draft, which is an interesting strategy with an aging team that is looking to contend. Smith likely won’t see the floor much this season, but if they invest in him, he could turn into a special player.