Overview:

Terquavion Smith is an explosive combo guard with supreme confidence. Plays with determination. Thin frame is a major concern for success at the next level. Increased role should provide the opportunity to improve in shooting efficiency and lead last years under performing Wolfpack. 2022-23 will be Smith’s sophomore season for the North Carolina State WolfPack.

NBA level skill:  Explosive athleticism 

Note:  Prospects compared to statistical averages of drafted NBA players (2017-2022), by position, from their last college season.

Guards = Below 6’5″

Wings = 6’6″ to 6’9″

Posts = Above 6’10”

Blue      Comparable to average drafted NBA players by position.

Green  Exceeds the average drafted NBA players by position.

Red      Below the average of drafted NBA players by position.

Darker color signifies a greater statistical variance.

Offense:  

Smith high volume explosive combo guard with supreme confidence.  Confidence can also lead to ill advised shots and forcing plays with negative results.  As a high volume scorer, Smith’s poor shooting efficiency must be raised to be a viable NBA asset where every shot matters.  

His shooting form is inconsistent mainly because he takes a lot of off balanced shots.  He has a high release and consistent hands despite the fact his feet can get a little tangled getting into different types of shots.  This is evidenced by his solid 3P% at 37% which is right in line with previously drafted guards.  3 point shots account for 56% of all of Smith shots which means he is maximizing his strength.  Shooting 8.1 3PA per seems high but his role on the team.  

Smith does not get to the free throw line much which is to be expected given his diminutive size.   This is evidenced by his poor conversation rate at the time, just .7 points per play. 

Smith is good at what the primary actions of NBA teams are: Spot ups, pick and roll ball handler, transition.  He is excellent in transition with 1.1 point per play.

Wanna See:  

Improved shooting efficiency across the board.

Great shot variety:  soft touch finishes (floaters, runners, extensions)

Mid range pull up

Assist and Decision Making

Smith is a score first combo guard which means plays DON’T GET MADE for teammates as much as they should.  This is to be expected, although not desired, at the next level, especially from a guard that is small in stature.  Better to make plays for others and take advantage of speed, pushing tempo and scoring off that type of action.  Confidence that results in inefficient shooting is bad decision making – which leads to losing games.

Wanna see:

Increase assists to make plays for teammates.

Improved decision making and rising AST/TOV ratio.

Rebounding and defense:

Smith’s rebounding is surprisingly good.  He is right in line with drafted NBA guards both on the DRB and ORB.  This speaks to Smith’s toughness and his willingness to mix it up in the trenches with the big boys.  

Defensively, struggles with bigger players.  Big guards can go right through him.  To his credit, he stays locked in and is very good at playing passing lanes to get steals.  He get more blocks the the average drafted NBA guard which again speaks to his toughness. Smith’s 4.0 Combo (STLr + BLKr) is excellent, especially given his small stature.  The Combo stat has been a leading indicator of transferable athleticism for drafted NBA players.

Wanna see

Continued commitment to rebounding and defense.

2023 NBA Draft Projection: Late first round.