Milwaukee Bucks: 20-Year-Old’s Strong Summer League Finale Brings Sigh of Relief for Fans
Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Smith Has Final Chance to Leave Summer League on High Note in Game 5 Friday Night 3
Anyone who watched Milwaukee Bucks Summer League games could see that forward Tyler Smith just didn’t have it through the first four contests. Even though it’s basically exhibition basketball, things were growing a wee bit worrisome for those who hoped Smith would be ready to contribute this season. For whatever it’s worth, his overall play probably suggests otherwise. But he did at least temper concerns on Friday by reversing his irksome shooting slump, in Milwaukee’s Summer League finale against the Heat.
Smith Finally Finds Stroke in Milwaukee Bucks Summer Ball
After shooting 2-23 from three in games 1-4, Smith went 4-6 versus Miami for 21 total points, almost double his previous summer high. He did bank one in unintentionally, but still, he deserved a break after struggling as he did out of the gate.
Smith got to the line six times, a good sign. He grabbed five rebounds in what was overall a very impressive performance, despite the 93-92 loss that dropped the Bucks to 1-4.
In the coming months, Smith will have training camp and the preseason to prove his mettle. Making $1.96 million in year two of a four-year deal, he will almost surely have a roster spot, though the Bucks may send him to the G League to work on his game as they did at times last season.
Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Smith Has Final Chance to Leave Summer League on High Note in Game 5 Friday Night 2
He may earn more than his 23 NBA games of 2024-25 or he may not. The Bucks will have a better idea of how much he can contribute after watching him in the preseason.
If he does spend time down with the Wisconsin Herd, they’ll look for him to solidify his defense and improve on the 41.3 FG% and 32.7 3P% he put up last year, good for 10.7 PPG.
Smith won’t turn 21 until November, so he has plenty of time to grow. Ideally, he’ll make those strides sooner rather than later, as the Bucks dig their heels into win-now mode and could use help at small forward.
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Most naturally a four, the 6-foot-9 Smith is also a candidate for minutes at the three, where Milwaukee’s current depth chart consists of Kyle Kuzma and Taurean Prince. Not ideal. Smith proving himself a capable role player would do much for the Bucks’ rotation this season.
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