Considered the best player in the country in his age class when he left high school last year, Nick Smith Jr. had a sluggish “freshman” year in the ranks ofArkansas in recent months, to the point of delivering a fairly disappointing season overall, given its status and the expectations that accompanied it.
The fault, above all, with recurring physical glitches, in the knee in particular, which deprived him of half of the season of the Razorbacks since he only took part in 17 of the 36 games of his team…
A disappointing scenario for a boy expected in the heights of the 2023 Draft ahead of the 2022/23 season. But his rating, if it is no longer as high as ten months ago, remains substantial one month from the Draft, because his 17 games have nevertheless shown obvious talent, and a margin of significant progress.
In summary, Nick Smith Jr. is one of those players for whom the environment will be decisive, because there is still work to polish the rough diamond that he. And if the physique holds up, the transition to the Big League will go off without a hitch for the 19-year-old full-back.
Profile
Job : Back
Size : 1m96
Weight : 84kg
Crew : Arkansas Razorbacks
Stats 2022/23: 12.5 points (38% on shots), 1.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists
Strong points
– A full offensive palette. If his efficiency left something to be desired (38% on shots), like most first-year ball carriers in the NCAA, Nick Smith Jr. showed off a promising offensive arsenal this season, because it was complete. Whether it’s shooting, 3-point catch-and-shoot or mid-range pull-up, or attacking the circle, with elegant touch and varied finishes, the Razorbacks fullback has shown he has the potential of a true scorer. At only 19, he is already ahead in mastering all the fundamentals in attack, but must now focus on his efficiency. This will come with experience and the accumulation of matches, and we can only hope for him that he falls into a team where a solid “playmaker” will be able to help him find good shooting positions on his debut.
– Physically promising to defend. Tall but not very thick, Nick Smith Jr. is not able to hold up physically in defense in the NBA. On the other hand, his long-term projection in the defensive field is a source of optimism, because he has undeniably precious physical tools: a wingspan which reaches 2m06 in particular, and which should allow him, while waiting to add muscle to his frail silhouette, to interfere with the dribbling of opposing ball carriers. Especially since his support is lively and reactive, and his defensive potential at the “point of attack” interesting. In summary, while he may never be an ace defenseman, Nick Smith Jr. at least has the tools to be a positive defender who can stay on the field without being exposed. Even if it will first thicken.
Weak points
– The shot selection. Like most “freshmen” in the NCAA, particularly those who evolve on the 1/2 positions, the former Razorback is not yet a very effective player. His offensive talent is substantial, but his choices are still too messy. The typical example of a young person who wants to do so well in attack that he gets confused. In this, the environment in which he will begin his career in the NBA will be very important (the coach, the systems, the veterans around him), and could allow him, with more or less success depending on the team, to channel positively this good will.
Comparison
A profile at Jordan Poolewith a much better defensive potential.
Prognosis
Enter here 12th and the 20th place. In #13 or #14 in particular, the Raptors or Pelicans could be particularly interested in his offensive profile.
