Smith's Professional Basketball Journey: From Undrafted to International Success
The path to professional basketball is rarely a straight line. For Smith, the journey began with the grueling process of pre-draft workouts and has evolved into a diverse international career spanning several of Europe's most competitive leagues. Despite early setbacks, Smith has demonstrated resilience, transitioning from the NBA Development League to becoming a champion in Lithuania.
Key Facts
- Draft Status: Went undrafted in the 2015 NBA draft after nursing an ankle injury.
- Major Achievement: Won the LKL (Lithuanian Basketball League) championship with BC Rytas.
- League Experience: Has played in Latvia, USA (D-League), Hungary, Belgium, Israel, France, Lithuania, and Turkey.
- Recent Move: Signed with Merkezefendi Belediyesi Denizli for the 2025–2026 season.
Early Career and the NBA Dream
In June 2015, Smith entered the professional radar with pre-draft workouts for several high-profile NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Celtics, and Detroit Pistons. However, an ankle injury suffered earlier that year prevented him from performing at 100 percent. While he hoped to be a late second-round pick, he ultimately went undrafted in the 2015 NBA draft.
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First Professional Steps
Smith's professional career began on August 11, 2015, when he signed a two-year contract with VEF Rīga in the Latvian Basketball League. His tenure there was brief; after appearing in three league games and eight VTB United League games, he was released on November 24, 2015.
Transition to the NBA Development League
Seeking a path back to the NBA, Smith joined the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League (now known as the G League) on January 6, 2016. He debuted on January 9 in a game against the Canton Charge, contributing three points, two rebounds, and six assists in 13 minutes of play. He was later reacquired by the D-Fenders on October 30 of that year.
His time in the American developmental system continued when he was traded to the Grand Rapids Drive on October 13, 2017, where he played through 2019.
Expanding Horizons in Europe
Starting in 2019, Smith began a period of significant international movement, adapting to various styles of play across Europe. He signed with Szolnoki Olaj of the Hungarian NB I/A on July 26, 2019, before moving to the Belgian Pro Basketball League with Spirou Basket on December 19, 2019. Unfortunately, the Belgian season was cancelled in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following year saw a rapid succession of signings. He joined Maccabi Haifa of the Israeli Basketball Premier League in May 2020 to finish the 2019-2020 season, and was announced as the first signing for the Antwerp Giants for the 2020–21 season on April 8, 2020. By December 12, 2020, he signed with Limoges CSP as a guard to replace DeMarcus Nelson.
Championship Success and Later Career
Smith found significant success in Lithuania after signing with BC Rytas on September 19, 2021. During this tenure, he reached a career milestone by winning the LKL championship, with his team defeating Lietkabelis Panevėžys 4–1 in the final series. After a period away, Smith returned to Rytas Vilnius on January 1, 2026.
Between 2022 and 2024, Smith played for Hapoel Jerusalem in the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He parted ways with the club on November 5, 2024, after his request to be released from his contract was granted.
Recent Moves in Turkey
Following his departure from Israel, Smith signed with Türk Telekom B.K. of the Basketbol Süper Ligi on November 7, 2024. Most recently, on September 25, 2025, he signed with Merkezefendi Belediyesi Denizli, continuing his career in the Turkish BSL.
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Career Summary Table
| Period | Team | League/Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | VEF Rīga | Latvia / VTB United League |
| 2016–2017 | Los Angeles D-Fenders | NBA Development League |
| 2017–2019 | Grand Rapids Drive | NBA Development League |
| 2019 | Szolnoki Olaj | Hungary (NB I/A) |
| 2019–2020 | Spirou Basket | Belgium |
| 2020 | Maccabi Haifa | Israel |
| 2020 | Antwerp Giants | Belgium |
| 2020–2021 | Limoges CSP | France |
| 2021–2022; 2026–Present | BC Rytas | Lithuania (LKL) |
| 2022–2024 | Hapoel Jerusalem | Israel |
| 2024–2025 | Türk Telekom B.K. | Turkey (BSL) |
| 2025–2026 | Merkezefendi Basket | Turkey (BSL) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Smith go undrafted in the 2015 NBA draft?
Smith went undrafted primarily because he was nursing an ankle injury suffered earlier in the year, which prevented him from performing at 100 percent during his pre-draft workouts with various NBA teams.
Which team did Smith win a championship with?
Smith won the LKL championship with BC Rytas in Lithuania, where the team won the final series against Lietkabelis Panevėžys with a 4–1 record.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect his career?
While playing for Spirou Basket in the Belgian Pro Basketball League, the season was cancelled in March 2020 due to the pandemic.
What is Smith's current team as of late 2025?
As of September 25, 2025, Smith signed with Merkezefendi Belediyesi Denizli of the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL).
How long did Smith play in the NBA Development League?
Smith played in the NBA Development League from January 2016 through 2019, spending time with both the Los Angeles D-Fenders and the Grand Rapids Drive.