Tyler Smith entered the NBA as a prospect with an intriguing blend of size, athleticism and a once-promising 3-point shot. But so far, that shooting touch hasn’t followed him into professional basketball, leaving the Milwaukee Bucks and their G-League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, waiting for signs of the shooter he was projected to become.
Through 14 games in the G-League, Smith has been far from reliable from beyond the arc, shooting just 27.7 percent on 4.6 attempts per game. The volume suggests confidence, but the efficiency isn’t there. His early shooting numbers weren't the best, and the sad reality is they just haven't gotten any better this late into the NBA season.
Things haven’t been much better at the NBA level, albeit in a smaller sample size. In 11 appearances for the Bucks, Smith has gone 3-for-8 from deep, good for 37.5 percent, but those attempts mostly came in garbage time, offering little insight into how his shot might hold up in meaningful minutes.
Even in the preseason, where rookies often have more freedom to showcase their skills, Smith struggled to find his rhythm, shooting a disappointing 21.4 percent on 14 total attempts. When he does see the floor in Milwaukee, he seems less inclined to let it fly, a stark contrast to his G-League approach.
Milwaukee's bet on Tyler Smith's upside hasn't panned out just yet
The Milwaukee Bucks knew Smith would be a project, but his shooting was expected to be one of the more immediate and NBA-ready contributions to his professional game. When he was drafted out of the G-League Ignite program, he was sinking 35.2 percent of his 3.4 attempts per game from distance, which is at the very least a respectable number in the eyes of most perimeter defenders.
This is only to point out that shooting should be a New Year's resolution for the young rookie. Developing consistency from three will be critical for his long-term role, especially on a team that thrives on spacing around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
For now, the Milwaukee Bucks will need patience as Tyler Smith works to bridge the gap between potential and production. Whether it’s a matter of confidence, mechanics, or adjusting to the professional level, unlocking his once-undeniable strength remains a key part of his growth—and the Bucks’ future.
The good news is that Smith has time to work through his issues in the G-League. Head coach Doc Rivers doesn't seem too keen on plugging him into the rotation any time soon, and the Bucks weren't expecting the rookie to immediately contribute when they drafted him.
At the end of the day, his blend of size and shooting still make him a tantalizing prospect for a Bucks team that will definitely be in need of both things in the future. It was always going to be an upside play with Smith, and his upside still is what it is.
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