Sports
City duo nominated for Premier League Player of the Season award
City duo Haaland and Semenyo nominated for Premier League Player of the Season!
Yahoo Sports1 min read
Sports
Braden Smith impresses at NBA Combine ahead of draft: 'An amazing thing to watch'
TL;DR
Braden Smith showcased his skills at the NBA Draft Combine, proving that his smaller stature does not limit his performance. Former Arizona guard Jaden Bradley praised Smith's toughness and playmaking ability.
Key points
- Braden Smith is 5 foot 10 ⅟₄ and weighs 166 pounds
- He performed well at the NBA Draft Combine
- Former Arizona guard Jaden Bradley praised his skills
- Smith aims to prove that measurements do not limit him
Braden SmithJaden BradleyNBA Draft CombinePurdue basketball
CHICAGO — Braden Smith knew the thing against him well before he showed up at the NBA Draft Combine.
He's 5 foot 10 ⅟₄ and weighs 166 pounds.
Smith's job this week is in front of scouts and throughout numerous interviews with NBA teams.
Prove measurements don't define him. And he's done exactly that.
"He plays like he is 6-4, 6-5," said former Arizona guard Jaden Bradley, who faced Smith in the Elite Eight and was hounded defensively by the former Purdue basketball's four-year starting point guard during Wednesday's 5-on-5 combine scrimmage. "He is a tough-nosed guy. He can score it. He can really pass it. I played him throughout my college career and every time I play him, he just gets better and better."
Smith, a projected second-round pick, labeled himself as the best passer in this year's NBA Draft. Being the NCAA's career assists leader justifies Smith's belief.
You won't hear many disagreements from others at the combine.
"Me and Braden got to play together one time last year. He was in Evanston for whatever reason and we got to play on the same team," Northwestern's Nick Martinelli said. "It's an amazing thing to watch. You know, you're just running, and the ball ends up in your hands, and you're like, how the heck did that happen?"
Smith even included that in team interviews when comparing himself to current NBA players. He said he's taken bits and pieces from several players and incorporated them into his own skill set. But then, passing, there's no comp because Braden Smith is as elite as they come.
Insider: Purdue basketball takes on road challenges as Big Ten announces pairings
But it was other - ones beyond his height and weight - going on his draft evaluation sheet that may validate Smith as a deserving draft pick.
Q&A
What are Braden Smith's measurements at the NBA Draft Combine?
Braden Smith measures 5 foot 10 ⅟₄ and weighs 166 pounds.
How did Braden Smith perform in the 5-on-5 scrimmage at the combine?
Braden Smith impressed scouts during the scrimmage, demonstrating his scoring and passing abilities.
Who praised Braden Smith's skills at the NBA Draft Combine?
Former Arizona guard Jaden Bradley praised Smith, highlighting his toughness and improvement over time.
What challenges does Braden Smith face in the NBA Draft process?
Braden Smith faces challenges related to his height and weight, as he aims to prove that measurements do not define his capabilities.