Kyle Lowry Reminisces About Ish Smith, From Rockets Undrafted Rookie To NBA Finals

Ahead of Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Finals, Heat's guard Kyle Lowry reminisced about playing alongside Ish Smith as an undrafted rookie with the Houston Rockets.

HOUSTON — Denver Nuggets guard Ish Smith had a long journey to the 2023 NBA Finals. He has played for a record-breaking 13 teams after beginning his career as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Rockets in 2010. 

When Smith takes the court for the first time during the NBA Finals, Miami Heat's guard Kyle Lowry will be happy to share his career milestone. Lowry remembers his former teammate as a young and hungry prospect trying to find minutes within the Rockets' crowded backcourt.

"If you go back and look at his journey and all of the things he has been through, I cannot wait to see him just to say 'hello'," Lowry said. "He was just a good kid. His story is very unorthodox, and I am sure he is happy to be in this moment."

Lowry said Smith wasn't the best shooter as a rookie but could get to any spot on the court due to his speed. Smith's swiftness made it challenging for Lowry and Aaron Brooks to keep up with him during Houston's live practices.

Lowry took on the role of Smith's veteran during their time together as teammates. But their tenure with the Rockets was short-lived.

They played 28 games together during the 2010-11 season. At the trade deadline in February, the Rockets dealt Smith, along with Shane Battier, to the Memphis Grizzlies for Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll and a future first-round draft pick.

Smith's best game with the Rockets came in a road loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Nov. 11. He played behind Lowry and recorded a then-career-best 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, five assists and two steals in 25 minutes. 

"Every time I see him, he always calls me vet," Lowry said. "He was always a special kid and a special guy."

The Nuggets acquired Smith in an off-season trade from the Washington Wizards in July. At the end of the 2022-23 campaign, Smith had appeared in over 700 career games averaging 7.3 points and 3.8 assists. 

Despite playing for 13 franchises, Smith has carved out a 12-year career as a reliable backup point guard following his days as an undrafted rookie in Houston.

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