On a team with several projected NBA draft picks, Tyler Smith is showcasing himself at a high level this season and is emerging as one of the top prospects with the G League Ignite.
Smith, a former consensus five-star prospect, signed with Overtime Elite for the 2022-23 season. He was named to the All-OTE second team after averaging 15.7 points, eight rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 47.5% shooting from the field with Cold Hearts.
He joined the Ignite on June 30.
Playing alongside Ron Holland, Matas Buzelis, Izan Almansa and London Johnson, Smith is climbing draft boards and is in the mix to become a first-round pick on June 27 with a strong campaign with the Ignite.
Smith is averaging 13.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 38.7% shooting from 3-point range off the bench in 19 games with the Ignite. He has registered three 20-point performances, including a season-high 22 points on Dec. 8 in a loss to the Santa Cruz Warriors.
The 6-foot-11 forward has developed into a versatile player who can run the floor and provide floor spacing at the next level. He is still adjusting to the physicality in the G League and is working to improve defensively, especially against smaller players.
Smith will have the opportunity to continue to improve his draft stock over the remainder of the season with the Ignite. He is projected to be a mid-to-late first-rounder this year and could jump higher with a strong pre-draft process.
Rookie Wire caught up with Smith at the G League Winter Showcase to discuss playing with the Ignite, the 2024 NBA draft, defending at a high level and more.