PHILADELPHIA -- Brooklyn Nets guard Malachi Smith has just ticked off a major milestone that every aspiring basketball player dreams of: signing to an NBA roster. With a 10-day contract inked on Friday, Smith got his shot at the big league, debuting on Saturday due to injuries sidelining key rotation players.
Reflecting on his first NBA game, Smith shared, "It was a dream come true. I tried not to overthink it, just went out there to have fun.
I felt good in some moments, but there are definitely things I wish I could have done better." His debut came during the Nets' 104-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, a game where the absence of rookie guards Egor Demin and Drake Powell opened up playing time for Smith.
When asked about his journey to the NBA, Smith mentioned, "People start to talk when you're playing well. I had about a month and a half, two months of almost triple-doubles. Folks were telling me to be ready, but I didn’t know where the call would come from."
In his 23-minute stint against the 76ers, Smith contributed four points, three rebounds, one steal, and two blocks. However, the game wasn’t without its challenges. He ended with just one assist against five turnovers, facing a Philadelphia defense known for its perimeter pressure.
Looking ahead, Smith will have opportunities to showcase his skills against teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and Sacramento Kings. Whether he can secure another 10-day contract remains to be seen, but for now, Smith is savoring the moment of his NBA debut.