The Milwaukee Bucks didn’t do what many expected them to do in the 2024 NBA draft with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard under contract at least one more year (Lillard has a player option for the 2025-26 season), many believed he would either employ his draft picks to select players who could assist them immediately or offer his picks in exchange for a player with an immediate impact.
Instead, the Bucks took AJ Johnson in the first round (23rd overall) and Tyler Smith in the second round (33rd overall). Milwaukee’s selection of both players was surprising, as both are just 19 years ancient and by all accounts not close to being eligible to join an NBA roster right away.
Many Bucks fans were clearly upset with general manager Jon Horst, going so far as to accuse him of sabotaging the team after he was prevented from interviewing with the Detroit Pistons earlier this spring. However, one NBA analyst is a particularly substantial fan of their second-round pick, going so far as to give them an incredibly high grade for selecting Smith.
The Milwaukee Bucks get an A for taking Tyler Smith in the 2024 NBA Draft
In his article evaluating every second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, analyst Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report He had high praise for the Bucks and their selection of Tyler Smith:
“Because the Bucks needed a replacement for Brook Lopez sooner or later, they were linked to Tyler Smith in some mock drafts, often 10 spots earlier (where they ultimately took AJ Johnson). Instead, bringing in Smith only increases the value of this shooting big man with interesting defensive potential.
“With the right jumper in front of him, Smith could be a real find. He combines a powerful perimeter shot with athletic finishing around the basket and has the physical foundation to be both an area defender and a versatile perimeter switcher.
“Smith just needs more polish, both physically and skill-wise. He’s not strong enough to play the 5 position, but he lacks the skills to play the 4 position.
“Smith is a project, but it’s certainly one worth taking on for Milwaukee.”
As mentioned, Smith is only 19 years old and is a few years away from being a regular on an NBA roster, but his size and three-point shooting ability make him a potential candidate to replace Brook Lopez in a few years.
Milwaukee Bucks Draft Pick Tyler Smith played for G-League Ignite in 2023–2024
Last season was Smith’s first year as a professional basketball player. Playing for the G-League Ignite, he averaged 14.3 points on 48/35/74 shooting from the field. He also averaged 5.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks.
Now 6-foot-10, Smith may not be done growing just yet. When he is ready to join the Bucks’ regular rotation, he could be over 7 feet tall. His size, athleticism and shooting ability could make him one of the more versatile players on the team.
Let’s hope Giannis will still be with us when he’s ready, because this pair could make an incredibly exciting duo.
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