[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Nick Smith Jr.
Frame: 6’5″ 185lbs
Position: Guard
School: Arkansas
Year: Freshman
2023 Draft Age: 19
Stats via sports-reference.com

Offense

Even though Nick Smith Jr. has only played in three games this season, his quick decision-making stands out. He is a flat-out scorer. He shoots just under 40 percent from deep, with his high-efficiency area at the free-throw line extended on the right side. Most of his looks this season come from his continuous motion and navigation around screens in pick-and-roll action. Being a freshman, Smith is prone to making the wrong decision at times, but he commits to a move and runs with it for better or worse.
Smith is a shot creator. He has a quick first step, and his stride allows him to create ample space between himself and his defender when he tries to get open or downhill toward the basket. Playing in a backcourt with Anthony Black, the two share primary ball-handling duties quite well and play off one another when needed.

Most of the damage Smith does on the court, thus far, has been either at the basket or within five feet of the rim. From this zone, he is 5-9 on the season. He’s shown the ability to freeze the defense, lob it to a teammate, or get the bucket himself with a floater or layup package. Smith has good bounce that allows him to get up quickly to get second efforts at a shot at the rim.

The mechanics of Smith’s jumper are solid and compact. He has a smooth follow-through and springs up from his base in one fluid motion. His shot looks almost effortless in action. Smith needs to get his legs under him with so few games played (right knee injury), and the team has been cautious working him back. Once he’s had more in-game action, his consistency will increase.

Defense

On the defensive side of the ball, Smith has all of the intangible qualities you want to see in a present-day combo guard. His length and athleticism allow him to disrupt the offensive player by being that pesky in-your-face defender without frequently fouling. Smith’s wingspan was measured at just under 6’9″, and his activity makes it feel like he has a chance at deflecting just about every pass made by whomever he is guarding. He fights through contact and over screens and has good sensibilities when playing off-ball as a helper in the context of the scheme. He springs around the court like he’s on a pogo stick, allowing him also to grab some rebounds.

In Coach Eric Musselman’s defensive looks, Smith picks up his man almost three-quarter court and immediately begins giving them fits. He communicates on defense to his teammates and has his head just in the area above the collarbone, allowing him to simultaneously see the ball and man and react accordingly as the ball moves.

Looking Ahead

Smith was promoted to the starting lineup in the last two games and has steadily increased his minutes. The tandem with Black is must-see basketball as arguably the best freshman backcourt in the country. With more minutes and his body adjusting to playing after sitting earlier in the season, expect more highlights and jaw-dropping moments. Expect to see Arkansas fighting in the SEC for a crown as the draft moves closer and conference season kicks in.

Smith needs to fill out his frame for the NBA and show he can carry added muscle weight effectively without disrupting his game and flow. He has broad shoulders and length that could help to that end. He’s shown shades of CJ McCollum, who can take spot minutes as your lead guard and effectively still command an offense, along with a sprinkling of Jamal Crawford, with his length and shiftiness controlling the ball to get to his spot on the court.

Smith’s movements are deliberate and purposeful, and he doesn’t waste energy with poor decisions. Of course, as a freshman, mistakes are made, but these are things that are coachable and can be fixed with more experience.

Smith’s athleticism and decision-making, paired with a smooth jumper and second-chance ability, is something teams will certainly covet in the draft. Expect to hear his name called early in the first round.