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Tyler Smith has decided to leave the G League Ignite to enter the 2024 NBA Draft that will take place in Brooklyn this June. Smith has an enviable combination of size and floor-spacing shooting. A few analysts are bullish about what he could be in the future based on his trajectory.
Smith once said in an interview that Smith's game is similar to other impactful forwards, such as Jabari Smith, Kyle Kuzma and Michael Porter Jr. The former Ignite stalwart sees himself doing damage from deep even if asked to play the 5 in a small-ball lineup. If he is right, he might not last past the first round of the draft.
Teams who could be interested in Tyler Smith
#5 LA Lakers
The New Orleans Pelicans have the right to the LA Lakers’ pick at No. 16 but are expected to defer it to 2025. If the Pelicans go that route, the Lakers could pick Tyler Smith if Zach Edey isn’t on the board.
Assuming LeBron James doesn’t opt out, he could use another shooter with size around him. LA has a veteran group that will not likely give Smith big minutes out of the gate. However, if he translates some of that potential in training camp, he could gain Darvin Ham’s trust or whoever will coach the Lakers next season.
#4 Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are facing uncertainty at power forward after the current season. Tobias Harris, Robert Covington and Nic Batum are all on expiring contracts so Philly could shore up the position via the draft. Tyler Smith might be someone the 76ers will be interested in.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey will give him open looks while Smith unclogs the paint for both superstars to take advantage of.
#3 Toronto Raptors
Scottie Barnes’ era as the Toronto Raptors’ franchise cornerstone could use some help. The Raptors have R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to back him up, but Tyler Smith will be a significant addition. He has the length and positional versatility to carve a spot in the rotation.
Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic loves to play power forward Kelly Olynyk at center in small-ball lineups. He might try to see Smith in that role given the former Ignite star’s shooting pedigree.
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff is a big fan of twin-tower frontlines. He currently has one with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen forming one of the NBA’s most formidable big-men pairing. When one of them sits, he might try putting in Tyler Smith.
Smith will not have the defensive acumen and rebounding skills as a rookie, but his shooting will be superb. Cleveland is a middling 3-point shooting team this season. Smith could be what the doctor ordered for a team needing a lift from deep.
#1 Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks will look to add players who can immediately contribute, particularly on the defensive side. Tyler Smith’s shooting and size, though, might be hard to pass up. Doc Rivers could slot in the New Orleans native beside two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo or Bobby Portis.
The Bucks also need a shot of young blood in their veteran frontline. If Khris Middleton continues to deal with injuries, Smith could get some minutes as a floor-spacing forward with size.
Guess the Lakers players!
