Who is Malachi Smith, and what does he bring to the Nets?
Smith is in his third year of professional basketball after going undrafted out of Gonzaga in 2023. The 26-year-old, who was part of Portland’s training camp in 2023-24, has spent his entire career in the G-League. He began with the Rip City Remix (Trail Blazers) and also had stints with the Wisconsin Herd (Milwaukee) and the Memphis Hustle (Grizzlies).
Brooklyn, via the Nets’ G League affiliate, Long Island, acquired Smith from Memphis this past fall. Smith has improved in each of his seasons in the G-League and was having a career season with Long Island. The 6-4 combo guard averaged 14.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals in 29 minutes over 39 appearances. He averaged 1.3 threes with shooting splits of 52.4/42.6/76.9.
However, Smith upped his production after Long Island coach Mfon Udofia handed him the keys to run the point following Nolan Traore’s call-up to Brooklyn. In 18 starts, Smith totaled 19.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 53.6% from the field and 48.3% from deep. He also tallied 16 double figures in 16 of his last 17 appearances and produced all five of his double-doubles during this stretch.
Smith intrigued the Nets with his shooting, decision-making, and size, according to SB Nation. Smith is an elite shooter off the catch, connecting on nearly 40% of his three-pointers for his G-League career. He has improved as a creator and has shown great feel in pick-and-rolls. In addition, he can defend both guard spots.
Smith will make n $73,153 over the duration of his 10-day deal. He takes the spot vacated by Grant Nelson, who has not been retained after his 10-day contract expired last Sunday.
