Tyler Smith still hasn't found his next NBA home since being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks in the preseason and let go by the Rockets earlier this month, terminating his two-way contract with the franchise.
The 2024 second-rounder is still quite young and a productive player in the G League, with promise as a stretch big if he can further hone his skills. Right now, though, Smith is tossing on the seas of free agent oblivion, hoping another team gives him a chance. Despite his raw talent, nothing is guaranteed for his professional future.
It's been largely downhill for Smith since draft night
Milwaukee drafted Smith 33rd overall out of the G League Ignite program in 2024, recognizing the potential of the high school standout, but barely played him in his rookie season. All in all, he appeared in 23 games, averaging 5.3 minutes and 2.9 points per contest.
The end of Smith's Bucks tenure culminated in an unfavorable script that played out over the course of Summer League and training camp. When the offseason tipped off, he still seemed a decent bet to make the roster for another round of wait-and-see.
Then the Bucks re-signed Chris Livingston, and Smith struggled in Summer League. Andre Jackson Jr., at one time a presumed preseason cut, came back from the dead to reclaim favor. Veteran signing Amir Coffey immediately established a connection with his former Clippers head coach Doc Rivers. Smith fell by the wayside. DNPs in the Bucks' final two preseason games all but sealed his future with the franchise.
It's unfair to write off a 21-year-old who barely saw the court as a rookie, but in practice, that's what the Bucks did when they cut him ahead of opening night. Houston passed, too, after a monthlong trial run Smith spent mostly in the G League. Smith is currently employed by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, another G League squad affiliated with the Rockets. In 16 games between the two teams this season, Smith is averaging 13.4 points and 4.3 rebounds on 47.5/34.2/83.3 splits.
It's unfortunate he didn't stick in Houston. If there's a team that prizes size and athleticism, it's Ime Udoka's Rockets. Smith never appeared in a game there, however, and remains unsigned nearly three weeks after being cut.
It's not at all unfathomable that Smith could end up carving out a role somewhere in the Association. The combination of size, shooting range, and explosiveness is more valuable than ever. At 6-foot-9 and around 225 pounds, Smith has the frame to roam the perimeter as a hybrid three-four forward. He can cut to the basket as a legitimate lob threat. At the NBA level, the signs just haven't been there yet.
To be fair Smith hasn't had much of a chance, but there could also be a reason for that. So far, he hasn't proven the Bucks wrong for cutting him loose.