1 Dream, 1 realistic and 1 floor NBA player comparison for Bucks’ Tyler Smith

Dream ceiling – Bobby Portis

The dream comparison for Smith is a player that he is now teaming up with in Bobby Portis.

Portis has been a stellar NBA player throughout his career and has been the Milwaukee Bucks' sixth man for four seasons, including being an integral part of the 2021 NBA Championship winning roster. When Smith was drafted, many said he could be the long-term replacement for Portis. It would be great for the Bucks if he grew into their sixth man who could also being impactful in the starting lineup when needed.

Last season, Portis averaged 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds on splits of .508/.407/.790, all of which are more than attainable for Smith to reach. The Mayor of Milwaukee has also finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting for two seasons running, showing just how impactful he can be when he enters the game with his energy and ability to score and crash the boards.

Portis has been named in potential trade talks with the Bucks potentially shaking up their roster even more, but for now, he will remain an integral part of the bench unit. He is a career 38.5 percent shooter from deep, which is not far off what Smith was shooting for the Ignite, so the tools are there.

Defensively, we know Smith needs to improve, and if he can bring the same energy that Portis brings when he enters the game, the Bucks will have a real gem on their hands.

Portis started his career as a useful bench player and has grown into one of the best sixth men in the league. Smith will now get to work with him and learn from Portis how to impact the game from the bench. If Smith can develop into a solid sixth man, he will have a good long career in Milwaukee.