Bucks Forward Tyler Smith - Photo by On3
MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) – The Milwaukee Bucks selected former G-League Ignite star forward Tyler Smith 33rd in the 2024 NBA Draft.
According to scouts with NBAdraft.net, Smith is a long lefty (7-1 wingspan) versatile forward with a jumper and is built for the modern NBA given his length, shooting, and mobility. He’s a strong, aggressive dunker who can catch the lob and receive a pass on a pick and roll and throw it down. While he is mobile in the open court, he has not shown much ability or interest in creating his shot in the half court and needs to put in more skill development work on his post-game.
Yahoo Sports gave the Bucks selection of Smith a B+, saying, “Smith improved significantly during his season with the Ignite and has great size with an inside-out game that translates to the NBA. He shot the 3-ball well all season and improved his motor. Still just 19 years old, he’s a bit more of a raw prospect but can flourish in the right situation. He can bring some added size alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and can space the floor as an inside-outside scorer.”
Before signing with the Ignite, Smith was listed as a five-star prospect with some ranking him as high as eighth nationally in the 2023 class. He earned scholarship offers from numerous top schools, including Kansas, Houston, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Texas, and Memphis.
Both AJ Johnson and Smith fit the Bucks historical theme of drafting the longest and most athletic players available, and while neither of them is ready to play significant NBA minutes right away, they’ll see major roles in the organization for years to come.
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