Braden Smith, after a standout four-year career at Purdue, is making his leap to the NBA with the Indiana Pacers. Selected as the 38th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls, he was traded to the Pacers, reinforcing his value as Purdue's third draft selection in five years. He leaves a legacy at Purdue as a two-time consensus All-American, the NCAA鈥檚 all-time assists leader, and a key player in ending the school's 44-year Final Four drought. Smith's skills, including an exceptional midrange game and strong defensive capabilities, project well for his role in the NBA.

By the Numbers
  • 1,103 career assists, the NCAA record
  • 1,932 career points, placing eighth in Purdue history
  • 249 career steals, ranking third all-time at Purdue
Yes, But

Despite his impressive stats, Smith's height at 5-foot-10 1/2 raises questions about his ability to compete at the NBA level, particularly against taller guards. However, his basketball IQ and competitive nature may mitigate this concern.

State of Play
  • Smith is part of a strong pipeline of Purdue players entering the NBA, joining stars like Jaden Ivey and Zach Edey.
  • The Pacers view him as a potential contributor while he adapts to an unfamiliar backup role.
What's Next

As he transitions to the NBA, Smith will need to refine his defensive skills further to secure playing time and establish himself in a backup role. He is expected to evolve his game to fit the Pacers' needs, particularly in enhancing his defensive capabilities.

Bottom Line

Braden Smith's transition to the NBA highlights both his impressive collegiate achievements and potential challenges due to his height. His success in adapting defensively and leveraging his basketball intelligence will be key as he seeks to carve out a role with the Indiana Pacers.