Tyler Smith

Smith is an American forward who reached the NBA through the 2024 draft after a nontraditional path that included Overtime Elite and the NBA G League Ignite. Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, he has navigated two-way contracts and roster changes while establishing himself as a developmental big wing.

Born Tyler Smith on November 2, 2004, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he relocated to Houston, Texas, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He attended George Bush High School and was a five-star recruit ranked eighth by ESPN, 15th by 247Sports, and 18th by Rivals before leaving school for Overtime Elite. He had scholarship offers from Kansas, Baylor, Texas, Florida State, Oklahoma, Memphis, and LSU.

Smith signed a two-year contract with Overtime Elite on August 22, 2021. In his second season, he played for the Cold Hearts and was named second team All-OTE, averaging 15.7 points, eight rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.3 blocks. He signed with the NBA G League Ignite on June 30, 2023.

The Milwaukee Bucks selected Smith 33rd overall in the 2024 NBA draft. He signed on July 5, 2024, and made his NBA debut on October 23 in a win over Philadelphia. On December 17, 2024, he played in the NBA Cup final, a 97–81 win over Oklahoma City. He made 23 appearances for Milwaukee in 2024–25, averaging 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds.

Smith was waived by Milwaukee on October 20, 2025. He signed a two-way contract with Houston in December 2025 but was waived on January 3, 2026, without appearing in a game. On March 1, 2026, he signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

Smith functions as a modern big wing with size, shooting potential, and defensive versatility. His Overtime Elite and G League Ignite seasoning provided early professional structure. In the NBA, his development centers on three-point consistency, defensive toughness, and establishing himself as a rotation forward on two-way deals.