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

Realistic ceiling – Trey Lyles

Trey Lyles isn't the flashiest of names, but he has been an ever present in the NBA since he was drafted by the Utah Jazz back in 2015. The Canadian is now heading into his third season with the Sacramento Kings, and the 28-year-old is still a valuable player off the bench.

In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 7.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 20 minutes per game off the bench. He shot a strong 44.5 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from deep. Across his career, he has averaged 18.3 minutes off the bench and is a 34.7 percent shooter from three, which is integral in the modern NBA. If Smith can be become that reliable bench player with his shooting and ability to add points and crash the glass, he can have a long and successful career.

Not to mention defense again, but Lyles has an exceptional 111.1 defensive rating across his career, per StatMuse. It has recently jumped up to the 116 mark, as he plays more minutes and more games, but it is still a respectable rating for a bench player that has a similar frame to that of Smith. That will come with reps and experience for Smith, with him hopefully smoothly fitting into this new versatile defensive scheme Rivers is looking to implement.

Lyles is a very solid and respectable bench player that can do a bit of everything that is expected of a power forward. Smith may have more athleticism and can grow into a better shooter. Similar production is realistic for him and would lead to him being a nice piece off the bench for the Bucks.