NBA Draft Scouting Report: G League Ignite's Tyler Smith

Scouting Report: Tyler Smith

Contents

1. Prospect Profile
2. Highlights
3. Draft Projection
4. 2024 Big Board

Tyler Smith

Forward | G League Ignite

Height: 6'10” | Weight: 215 lbs

2024 Draft Age: 19.63

Mary Holt / USA TODAY Sports

Prospect Profile

After spending time in the Overtime Elite program, Smith is now ready to elevate his level of play in the G League before ultimately entering the 2024 NBA Draft. He’s built like a power forward but has the skillset of a wing. The 6-foot-10 forward could still be growing too, which would only enhance his draft stock. He’s already the size of some NBA centers, but has the perimeter game of the standard wing.

This positional size will be influential in where he's ultimately selected in the draft, as he truly fits the archetype of player that generally has a higher likelihood of translating at the next level than most. Being a near 7-footer than can space the floor and handle the ball is a huge advantage. 

Smith is extremely fluid for his size and absolutely fits the style of a modern forward in this league. He’s comfortable with the ball in his hands and can make things happen off the bounce. While he isn't a player that has the ability to be a primary scorer with the ball in his hands at a high rate, he is a quality complimentary piece on that end. He also has a jumper that looks mechanically sound and should translate moving forward. He shot right around 30% last season from deep, but projects to be a good 3-point shooter when it’s all said and done.

A top 10 player in 2023 high school class, Smith spent valuable time developing in the Overtime Elite program which allowed him to expand his game. Now with the Ignite in the G League, honing in on his role and impacting winning will be key. Smith will have less opportunity to play free as a focal point and will need to understand his assignment each night. He likely wont get much opportunity to be a primary scorer, especially with how loaded this Ignite roster is. Smith will play alongside Ron Holland, Matas Buzelis, Izan Almansa, Thierry Darlan, Babacar Sane, Dink Pate and London Johnson, who are each projected to be NBA players at some point. 

Highlights

Draft Projection

Late First-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.

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2024 Big Board

Want to know more about other potential 2024 NBA Draft prospects and where they might get selected? Check out our Draft Digest Big Board.

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