5 Burning Questions on Raptors Training Camp Signee Malachi Smith

The Toronto Raptors are giving Malachi Smith an opportunity to compete during the team's training camp next month.

To learn more about Smith, we spoke with Colin Simmons, who covered Smith with Brooklyn Nets On SI last season.

1. How did Malachi Smith perform for the Nets in his brief experience there?

Malachi Smith dribbles against Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Smith outperformed low expectations in 15 games with Brooklyn. He showed the ability to contribute in nearly every way on the offensive end, but he lacked the athleticism to be a difference-maker on defense.

It’s important to note that he was playing with many discombobulated lineups of young and unproven talent. He was one of the most trustworthy set of hands on the team during his stint, capable of running point or making an impact off the ball.

2. What is Smith's biggest strength?

His biggest strength is a balanced scoring arsenal. He’s capable of stepping beyond the arc and knocking down triples at a high clip, shooting 43.5 per cent on over three attempts per game for the Nets. Smith also got downhill well against weaker defenders due to his stocky frame.

He doesn’t have the deepest bag of tricks when it comes to his handle, but having the floater in his arsenal along with the ability to create space with his body makes him a tough guard.

3. What is Smith's biggest weakness?

Smith’s biggest weakness came as an off-ball defender. He’s not great on-ball either, but reading coverages and knowing where to help when his defender didn’t have the ball was a flaw. He was often late getting to the correct spot, which allowed offenses to find open shots, or he’d be too focused on the ball and lose track of his assignment. Smith could afford to be more active in passing lanes as well.

4. What's a good player comparison for Smith?

Watching Smith play is very similar to what it was like seeing John Konchar on the Memphis Grizzlies from 2022-2024. Both are guards who play bigger than their frames, can do a little bit of everything, but athleticism is the key trait holding them back.

Smith is better as an outside shooter and secondary playmaker, however. He doesn’t have the wingspan that Konchar does to add any shot blocking to the defense, but they offer similar perimeter defense. Konchar was a serviceable reserve for the Grizzlies for a few seasons, and Smith could do the same in the right system.

5. Can Smith get back into the league with the Raptors?

Smith has a steep uphill battle to make the Toronto Raptors roster. While the team has become a paradise for wings and versatile forwards to thrive, it still has a solid guard rotation.

Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead make up one of the best point guard rotations in the Eastern Conference, and Ja’Kobe Walter is a budding role player. Smith is approaching 27 years old and doesn’t have a skill that Toronto desperately needs.

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