Malachi Smith Cut by Brooklyn Nets

From Undrafted Prospect to Brief NBA Stint

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Malachi Smith, a 26‑year‑old guard who never entered the NBA draft, found himself on the roster’s outer perimeter after the Brooklyn Nets chose to waive him. The decision follows a two‑year, non‑guaranteed contract signed in April, which itself was a follow‑up to two separate 10‑day deals with the franchise. Brooklyn had exercised Smith’s minimum‑salary team option in June, giving him a brief chance to prove himself at the highest level. The move leaves him without an NBA contract for the upcoming season.

Statistical Snapshot from His Nets Tenure

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During the final stretch of last season, Smith appeared in 15 games, starting four of them, and posted averaged 8.3 points per contest. He shot 48.5% from the field and drained 43.5% of his three‑point attempts while converting every free‑throw he took. In addition to scoring, he contributed 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, offering a modest mix of playmaking and scoring for the Nets. These numbers reflect a role player who could provide depth but didn’t secure a permanent spot.

Previous G League Stops Provide a Clear Path

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Smith has spent the last three campaigns bouncing between several NBA G League affiliates, suggesting a familiar landing spot if the Nets’ decision sticks. He has suited up for the Portland Trail Blazers’ Rip City Remix, the Milwaukee Bucks’ Wisconsin Herd, the Memphis Grizzlies’ Memphis Hustle, and even Brooklyn’s own Long Island Nets. Each assignment gave him minutes to develop and to stay in the NBA ecosystem while awaiting another shot at the parent roster. The G League’s structured environment now likely beckons once more.

College Roots and Draft Journey

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Smith’s basketball pedigree began at Wright State, where he played during the 2018‑19 campaign before transferring to Chattanooga for two seasons. He later moved to Spokane, Washington, joining Gonzaga as a Bulldogs player, a stint that culminated in him earning West Coast Conference Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2023. Rather than complete his final year of eligibility, he entered the 2023 NBA Draft but left undrafted, forcing him into the G League pipeline. This trajectory highlights how a strong college performance can open doors, even when the draft does not.

What the Release Means for Prospects

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For aspiring players who are not selected in the draft, Smith’s brief NBA tenure serves as both a model and a warning. Securing a two‑year, non‑guaranteed contract after multiple 10‑day stints shows that perseverance and consistent performance can buy a foothold in the league. At the same time, his eventual cut underscores the razor‑thin margin for error; even solid statistical output may not be enough to earn a permanent roster spot. Prospects watching this saga will likely consider the G League as a strategic arena to refine their game while remaining in the NBA’s orbit.