In the Milwaukee Bucks’ commanding 125-96 win over the Miami Heat, rookie Tyler Smith made the most of his limited opportunity, reminding everyone why the team was so high on him in the draft. In just four minutes of action, Smith hit a pair of triples and grabbed two rebounds, showcasing a tantalizing blend of shooting and hustle.
First, it was lightly jogging the play behind AJ Johnson. Johnson faked the drive, then circled back out to get a trailing Tyler Smith the handoff pass. Pull-up, splash.
The very next possession saw him plugging the right corner after the Bucks secured a stop with a little under a minute and 20 to go in the fourth. The defense was discomposed and discombobulated with the speedy Johnson handling the ball once again, and all it took was an easy pass to the corner for Smith to make them pay.
It was not only a display of excellent chemistry between two G-League teammates with well-defined roles but also a show of confidence in his main selling point as a prospect.
What makes this performance even more impressive is that Smith had already logged significant minutes for the Wisconsin Herd earlier in the day. In a gritty performance against the Motor City Cruise, he tallied four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a dunk—stuffing the stat sheet and proving his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
When the Bucks selected Smith in the draft, the initial assumption was that he’d be a specialist—a big man with a reliable outside shot to help space the floor for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. But as Smith continues to develop, it’s clear his game has more layers than expected.
Tyler Smith's game is showing more dimensions than initially thought
Even outside of scoring, Smith found ways to affect the game. With 1:50 to go in the game, he managed to deflect a dumpoff pass from right behind a wide-open Keshad Johnson, who was directly under the rim, effectively stopping the easy dunk opportunity. That play directly led to a Haywood Highsmith miss after the Heat rushed the pass to the corner with the possession time running out.
Smith’s size and athleticism allow him to compete as a two-way player. At 6-foot-11, he has the length to protect the rim and disrupt passing lanes, while his mobility helps him stay in front of quicker players. Combine that with his 3-point shooting, and you have the makings of a modern NBA forward who can impact games in a variety of ways.
The Bucks have been patient with Smith, letting him refine his game in the G-League while giving him brief chances to acclimate to the NBA. This dual development plan seems to be paying off. Smith has averaged solid numbers with the Herd, including impressive rebounding and shot-blocking stats, showing that his skill set translates to professional competition.
The leap from G-League standout to reliable NBA contributor is one few players make seamlessly, but Smith’s early flashes indicate he’s on the right trajectory. His ability to quickly adjust from a G-League game to an NBA matchup against the Miami Heat speaks volumes about his work ethic and readiness.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, the emergence of a player like Smith is a win on multiple levels. Not only does he bring depth to a veteran-heavy team, but his development could also prove critical as Milwaukee navigates a tight salary cap situation. Players on rookie deals who can make an impact are worth their weight in gold, and Smith looks like he could become one of those players.
Moreover, Smith’s versatility fits perfectly with Milwaukee’s evolving identity. While much of the focus is on the Giannis-Dame duo, players like Smith can quietly swing games by doing the dirty work—rebounding, defending, and knocking down open shots.
Smith’s performance against Miami might not jump out in the box score, but for those watching closely, it was a glimpse of his potential. The Milwaukee Bucks don’t need Smith to be a star right now, but if he can provide energy, defense and occasional scoring off the bench, he’ll earn his place in the rotation sooner rather than later.
In just four minutes, Smith showed exactly why he was drafted. The Bucks might have uncovered a hidden gem—one who’s ready to take the leap from promising rookie to reliable role player. With more performances like this, Tyler Smith won’t just be a name for the future; he’ll be a name for the present.