The 2023 NBA Draft will be an important event for teams to build for their future. Here is the Nick Smith 2023 NBA Draft Profile.
Position: Guard
Size: 6-foot-5, 185 pounds
Class: Freshman
School: Arkansas
2022-2023 stats: 12.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.1 blocks, 37.6%FG, 33.8%3FG, 74%FT
Smith wasn’t able to play the full season for Arkansas due to injuries, but he showed flashes of why he was a highly-rated recruit. Now he is in the 2023 NBA Draft.
As a five-star recruit out of Arkansas, Smith signed on with the Razorbacks to stay in his home state. He had a right knee injury that limited him to just 17 games with Arkansas. He averaged 12.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists on the season. He helped the Razorbacks go to the Sweet Sixteen after returning from injury.
Following the Sweet Sixteen appearance, Smith declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. He is currently projected to be a mid-first-round pick.
Smith has the ability to score in a variety of different ways. He showed the ability to create for himself, as he can get to the basket and make space to get his shots off. Smith has shown that he can score when he is off the ball as well, whether that be him cutting to the basket or on catch-and-shoot opportunities. Smith can lay it high off the glass or use good floaters to get it over bigger defenders.
As alluded to, Smith uses his dribbling to create for himself. He can shake free and give himself space, but he also protects the ball well when dribbling. Smith has good quickness and speed that show up when he is handling the ball. He can run the offense if asked, although he shouldn’t be the lead option. Smith can also push the ball in transition.
He has good athletic ability, which helps him in a few different ways. Smith can get to the basket in the halfcourt offense, but also can run the floor well in transition. He elevates well, helping him finish at the rim. His quick footspeed helps him stay in front on defense.
He is very light for his size at 184 pounds. Smith can struggle to play through contact at the offensive end. He still finishes decently well, but could convert even more with added strength. On defense, teams will try to get him to guard bigger players in the post, where he will be at a disadvantage.
Smith will need to work on taking better shots at the NBA level. He can settle for contested jumpers instead of getting to the basket or finding an open teammate. This is part of the reason he didn’t have a great assist-to-turnover ratio, despite being a solid passer. Smith needs to take open shots or get it to a player who is open.
It was hard for Smith to get into a rhythm in his freshman season at Arkansas due to his injury. He needs to shoot the ball better from 3-point range on a more consistent basis. Smith also can find more of a rhythm setting up his teammates, which is something he didn’t do as much as his talent would let on at Arkansas.
Projected Draft Range: Mid-First-Round Pick
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