Jan 13, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Ja'Kobe Walter (4) reacts after the victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Raptors are anticipated to select Tyler Smith, a big man known for his ability to stretch the floor, from the G League Ignite team, to complement Scottie Barnes in the team’s future endeavors.
Initially, there were high hopes for Kelly Olynyk to bring something unique to the Raptors. The expectation was that he would be a floor-spacing center, providing Barnes with a different playing dynamic. Questions arose about how their collaboration would affect pick-and-roll plays and overall floor spacing, especially in comparison to the previous presence of Jakob Poeltl. However, Barnes was only able to play in eight games post-trade deadline due to injuries, leaving the potential Olynyk-Barnes partnership largely unexplored.
Despite the limited game time together, early indicators suggest that Barnes and a big man like Olynyk could mesh well. Statistics show that Barnes had more success driving to the rim and scoring when Olynyk was on the court compared to when he wasn’t.
These promising stats highlight why Tyler Smith is an appealing prospect for the Raptors. Standing at 6-foot-11, Smith resembles a younger version of Olynyk and boasts a respectable three-point shooting percentage of 36% from his time with the G League Ignite.
Projected to be picked at No. 19 by the Raptors, Smith’s season with the Ignite showcased both potential and areas for improvement. While he demonstrated scoring ability and shooting accuracy, concerns linger about his strength and defensive prowess, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.
However, given his age of just 19, there’s room for Smith to grow and develop, making him a viable long-term investment for Toronto. With Olynyk and Poeltl secured for the next couple of seasons, the Raptors have the luxury of nurturing Smith’s skills in the G League before integrating him into the main roster.
Considering the evolving trends in the league and Barnes’ proficiency in attacking the paint, adding another floor-spacing big man like Smith aligns well with Toronto’s strategy to bolster its youthful core for the future.
