There is a slim chance that by the time you are reading this, Tyler Smith might not be on the roster. With recent additions of Amir Coffey on a training camp deal and Thanasis Antetokounmpo being announced, the Bucks will have to cut/trade players to make space on the roster. One of those could be 2024 second-round pick Tyler Smith, who didn’t do much of anything with the senior squad last season and ends up 16th in our ranking this year, one spot lower than 2024’s 15th. In his rookie season, Smith played
in 23 games, seeing only 122 minutes with the Bucks. With the Wisconsin Herd, Smith played in 15 games, averaging 24.2 MPG, 9.4 PPG, 6.3 RPH, shooting 42.9% from the floor and 38% from three. His scoring dropped from the 2023–24 season with the G-League Ignite, but he shot better from three, increased his rebounds, and cut down on his fouling.
There are two ways to look at Tyler Smith. The first is that he is still a young player, only 20 years old, and entering his second season in the league with a smooth-looking shot and athleticism. That is a type of skill set that could still make him a factor in the future. The second is that he is not good enough defensively, and after an underwhelming summer league, he doesn’t seem like a player who will ever contribute to winning basketball. I see both viewpoints, and truly, we don’t have an answer on what it will be.
Since Milwaukee drafted him, I have always viewed Smith as a potential successor to Bobby Portis. Smith shows potential as a stretch four that could help Milwaukee’s offense in a bind, but could be a liability on defense. Unlike Portis, Smith doesn’t have the post offense ability, but is more athletic and can be molded to fit a team’s needs in the future. I honestly can see how Tyler Smith can work: a year to get acclimated to the league and a potential NBA skill set, then more time to figure out what he is and can become.
Will that time come with Milwaukee, though? Chris Livingston and Andre Jackson Jr. seem closer to finished products at this stage of their lackluster careers, while Coffey and Gary Harris don’t seem to raise the Bucks’ floor or ceiling. The Bucks also need to consider whether they are willing to cut ties with both of their 2024 draft picks in a calendar year after using their only draft pick in 2025 to stash away in Europe. I don’t think that is best for the present and future of the franchise compared to the other options Milwaukee could cut bait with. This could all also not matter by the trade deadline if Smith toils away in Oshkosh without flashing anything.
15th is next. Check back tomorrow for a preview of him.
