Smith averaged 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 0.8 steals per game after his two-way contract was converted into a standard deal late in the season. While those numbers may not jump off the page, they represented the culmination of a journey that few expected when the 26-year-old opened the season with the Long Island Nets.<\/p>\n
After going undrafted in 2023, Smith spent time with multiple organizations in the G League before finding his footing in Long Island. His production skyrocketed<\/a> after taking over primary ball-handling duties, averaging 16 points, seven assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals over a 29-game stretch while shooting better than 51% from the field and more than 41% from three-point range. That strong play earned him his first NBA opportunity with Brooklyn on a 10-day contract. <\/p>\n Smith made the most of every opportunity. During his initial stint with the Nets, he averaged 7.3 points while shooting an efficient 53% from the field, 55% from beyond the arc and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line across two 10-day contracts<\/a>. His strong play ultimately convinced Brooklyn to sign him to a standard two-year contract in early April.<\/p>\n The Nets are now taking a low-risk bet on that success continuing. The road won’t get any easier for Smith now that his foot is in the door. <\/p>\n Although the option is non-guaranteed, exercising it allows Smith to enter training camp with an opportunity to compete for a roster spot while giving Brooklyn financial flexibility. General manager Sean Marks has consistently emphasized internal development throughout the rebuilding process, and Smith became a prime example of that philosophy. <\/p>\n With an influx of young talent through the draft and Brooklyn still possessing significant salary cap space entering free agency, competition for roster spots will be fierce. Smith’s versatility as a secondary ball-handler and familiarity with Jordi Fern\u00e1ndez’s system should help his case. <\/p>\n Whether Smith ultimately lands on the opening-night roster or not, exercising his option is another logical move for a Nets front office that continues to prioritize player development. <\/p>\n
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