It's been a while since the Milwaukee Bucks faithful saw one of these games.
Once upon a time, fans didn't have to wait too long to get real glimpses at the team's young Bucks. Former head coach Mike Budenholzer, after all, was partial to the strategy of sitting all his starters for entire games heading toward the NBA Playoffs, giving all his bench players starter minutes.
We got one of those against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Milwaukee's recent game, and while the result wasn't what we wanted, it was almost worth it just to see what the team had.
When the Bucks selected Tyler Smith in the draft, they thought they were getting a sharpshooting floor spacer—a 6-foot-10 forward who could stretch defenses and open up driving lanes for Giannis Antetokounmpo. And while Smith’s shooting remains a work in progress, his performance in the Bucks’ 125-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder hinted at something far more intriguing: the potential to be a stat-sheet-stuffing, all-around contributor who could redefine his role on this team.
Smith played 27 minutes against the Thunder, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. On paper, those numbers are solid for a rookie. But dig deeper, and you’ll see the flashes of something special—a player who can impact the game in ways that go far beyond just shooting. The question now is whether Smith can refine his game to take that next step and become the versatile weapon the Milwaukee Bucks desperately need.
Smith was drafted to be a shooter, and it's time he started living up to it
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Tyler Smith’s shooting.
Against OKC, he went 4-of-15 from the field, including 3-of-10 from three, numbers that won’t exactly strike fear into opposing defenses. For a player drafted primarily for his ability to stretch the floor, this is concerning. Smith’s shooting mechanics are sound, but his consistency has been lacking, and his confidence seems to waver when the shots aren’t falling.
That said, it’s important to remember that Smith is still a rookie. Shooting is one of the hardest skills to translate from college to the NBA, and even the best marksmen need time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the league. Smith’s potential as a shooter is still there—he just needs to put in the work to unlock it. Whether it’s refining his footwork, improving his shot selection, or simply getting more reps, the Bucks should remain patient with this aspect of his game.
What’s truly exciting about Smith, though, is his ability to contribute in other areas. At 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and impressive athleticism, he has the tools to be a nightmare matchup on both ends of the floor. Against the Thunder, he showcased his versatility by crashing the glass, making smart passes, and using his length to disrupt passing lanes. His seven rebounds, three assists and two steals were a testament to his ability to impact the game even when his shot isn’t falling.
This is where Smith’s ceiling gets interesting. If he can develop into a reliable shooter, he’ll already be a valuable piece for the Bucks. But if he can also become a consistent rebounder, playmaker and defender, he could evolve into a true stat-sheet-stuffer—a player who fills every column and makes winning plays in ways that don’t always show up in the box score. Think of a young Robert Covington or a poor man’s Jaren Jackson Jr. That’s the kind of player Smith has the potential to become.
Against OKC, Smith’s athleticism and instincts were on full display. He ran the floor well in transition, finished strong at the rim, and showed a willingness to compete on the defensive end. His two steals were particularly impressive, as he used his length to anticipate passes and disrupt the Thunder’s offense. While his shooting struggles were evident, it’s clear that Smith is more than just a one-dimensional player. He has the tools to be a difference-maker in multiple facets of the game.
Smith’s potential fits perfectly into the modern NBA’s trend of versatile big men who can do a little bit of everything. Players like Evan Mobley, Jaren Jackson Jr. and even Giannis himself have shown the value of having a big who can shoot, defend and make plays for others. Smith may not reach that level, but he doesn’t have to. If he can become a reliable two-way player who contributes across the board, he’ll be an invaluable piece for the Milwaukee Bucks as they look to maximize Giannis’ prime.
For Smith to take that next step, he’ll need to focus on three key areas
His shooting consistency remains his biggest hurdle for someone who was advertised to be one of the better floor-spacers in his position. Smith needs to work on his shot selection and find ways to get easier looks, whether it’s through better off-ball movement or more pick-and-pop opportunities. He also has the physical tools to be a strong defender, but he needs to improve his positioning and awareness to avoid foul trouble and stay on the floor.
We also can't talk about his traits without mentioning that his passing ability has quietly become underrated. He doesn't quite have an advanced grasp of passing angles, but his height allows him to see over most defenders, and he's shown he's a more than willing passer when given the chance. If he can continue to develop his court vision and decision-making, he could become a legitimate secondary playmaker for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Tyler Smith wasn’t drafted to be a stat-sheet-stuffer, but he’s showing signs that he could become one. His shooting struggles are real, but they’re not insurmountable. What’s more important is that Smith is proving he can contribute in other ways—rebounding, defending and making plays for others. If he can refine his skills and continue to grow, he could become the kind of versatile, all-around player the Bucks need to complement Giannis and make another championship run.
The potential is there. Now it’s up to Smith—and the Milwaukee Bucks—to unlock it.