Forward Tyler Smith was the last player left off the Milwaukee Bucks‘ 15-man roster this season. Instead of rostering Smith, the team went with Andre Jackson Jr. and Amir Coffey. The Bucks filled their two-way spots with Mark Sears, Pete Nance, and Alex Antetokounmpo.
Now, however, Smith is set to get a second chance with his hometown Houston Rockets on a two-way deal, insider Jake Fischer reported Tuesday afternoon. It’s an odd signing for a team sate with forward talent, but it’s also true that Smith still has promise – more so, probably, than either Jackson or the disaster that Coffey has turned out to be.
Smith joins hometown team in second NBA stint
The Houston native spent one season with the Bucks after being drafted No. 33 overall in 2024 out of the G League. Still just 21 years old, Smith has intriguing athleticism as a stretch big but never panned out in (very) limited opportunities in Milwaukee. A poor Summer League and preseason showing proved to be the last straw.
Sep 30, 2024; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Tyler Smith (21) during Media Day at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
With how the Coffey signing has panned out – dismally, to say the least – cutting Smith looks like a mistake. On top of that, by cutting him the Bucks absorbed his $1.96 million guaranteed salary. Through 16 games played Coffey is averaging 1.6 points per game. L’s all around.
The Bucks couldn’t afford to give Smith much of a chance as a rookie. In 23 games, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds in 5.3 minutes per contest. He knocked down 13 of 30 three-pointers, including 6-9 in the regular season finale against Detroit.
In order to make room for Smith, Fischer reported, the Rockets plan to waive third-year guard Kevon Harris. Harris last played in 2023-24 for the Magic. Most of his NBA reps came as a rookie, when he played 34 games and averaged 4.1 points on 37.2% three-point shooting.
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