Thunder Draft Report: G League Ignite's Tyler Smith

The Oklahoma City Thunder should take a look at G League Ignite prospect Tyler Smith as a modern-day big man who fits their needs.

Despite battling for a top spot in the Western Conference, the OKC Thunder still have an absorbent amount of picks, including a projected lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Let’s take a look at Tyler Smith and how he would fit in the Thunder system. 

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Draft Profile 

• Height: 6'11
• Weight: 224
• Wingspan: N/A
• Age: 19
• School: G League Ignite

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Quick Scouting Report

Smith is the perfect modern-day big man providing unique floor spacing ability, defensive versatility which includes rim protection and not being stuck on an island. The G League Ignite has great hands to capitalize on his dives to the basket and cap off actions for an offense.  

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Strengths and Weakness

Strengths

The G League Ignite product has a great play-finishing ability at all three levels. From his catch-and-shoot stroke, playmaking out of the high post, capitalizing as the roll man or in the dunker spot and even playing off the catch to get past immobile bigs. 

On defense his ability to use his length to neutralize pick and roll action, flip his hips to defend both sides of the lane at once and time up drivers to swat shots. 

Weaknesses

Smith might struggle with NBA physicality beneath the basket as he tries to translate his game. Despite playing grown men in the G League, it is rare to find beefy bigs at that level. Dealing with more traditional paint moving centers could come with a learning curve. With that comes concerns on the glass only averaging five boards per contest.  

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Availability

• DD: 18
• Ringer Guide: 25
• ESPN Mock: 19
• The Athletic: 27
• Bleacher Report: 18
• CBS: 26 
• Draft Net: 14
• Tankathon: 20

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Thunder Fit

Future Role 

While Smith never projects to start for the Thunder, his ability to raise their floor as a rotational piece would be worth the lottery investment. The G League Ignite product fits their play style to a tee. 

Rotation Fit 

Smith would waltz into Oklahoma City as the premier backup big man in Bricktown with his floor spacing, play finishing, playmaking and ability to put a body on guys fighting for rebounds. Him stepping in for Chet Holmgren allows the Thunder to continue their style of play for a full 48 minutes. 

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