NBA Draft: Nick Smith Jr. Could Give Thunder High-Octane Offense

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds with a plus-four wingspan, Nick Smith, Jr. is blessed with the frame, length, and skillset to thrive in an NBA offense, especially the Oklahoma City Thunder’s.

A quick glance at his bio on the Arkansas Razorbacks’ website will inform you that Smith was the top rated high school prospect in his class, according to 247Sports, one of three major networks that focus on recruitment.

Travis Branham, a basketball analyst for 247Sports, described Smith, Jr. as having “an impressive combination as a playmaker and as a scorer,” saying, “Smith is a legitimate three level scorer who creates his own shot, operates well out of ball-screens, gets to his spots from mid-range and is a tough finisher around the rim.”

Well, after battling the injury bug for much of his freshman season at Arkansas, Smith’s recent play is living up to Branham’s description.

Smith’s seasonal statistics won’t do him much justice, but the tape reveals a smooth, controlled scorer who can hurt defenses from all over the floor.

The first thing that stands out is his jumpshot. Whether there is a defender in his face or not, Smith can rise up from the corner, above the break, or carve out space in the middle of the floor to confidently get a bucket. And his release is pure thanks to his ability to completely take his guide hand away from the basketball before catapulting it towards the rim.

Nick Smith Jr has elite touch. Some nice indicators to back it up as well.

80.8% from the free-throw line.
61.5% on all unguarded C&S jumpers.
40.9% on floaters.
75.0% on layups.

He has only played 9 games this year so most of the indicators are a small sample size. pic.twitter.com/1y7tdbXFXw
— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) February 22, 2023

But the high-profile Razorback isn’t just an on-ball scoring type. Smith can also operate off the ball extremely well. He’s showcased his ability to drill 3-pointers on the move a la Klay Thompson and has the handle to beat defenders with a variety of moves when the ball swings his way before stopping and popping to create a shot.

Smith also has incredible touch with regards to his floater game. Like his jumpshot, it’s smooth, pure, and clean. If he’s operating in pick-and-roll situations, or his defender is over-extended, Smith has no problem using his handle to waltz to the middle of the floor and loft a shot into the net.

Pair the Arkansas native with another dynamic scorer like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a playmaker that will get him the ball in his desired spots like Josh Giddey, and it’s easy to imagine the Thunder spending their top pick on Smith. Add in the fact that Chet Holmgren is on track to make a healthy return in 2023-24, and the Thunder could be looking at a high-octane offense with room to grow as soon as next year.

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