Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Braden Smith
Position: Guard
College: Purdue
Class: Junior
Height/Weight: 6'0", 175 lbs
Birthdate: July 25, 2003
High School: Westfield (IN)
Player Overview
Braden Smith is a high-IQ, competitive point guard who excels at playmaking, shooting, and rebounding for his size. He is a natural floor general who effectively controls the tempo of the game, makes smart decisions, and plays with confidence. His ability to navigate pick-and-rolls, create shots for teammates, and knock down perimeter jumpers makes him a valuable offensive weapon.
While his size at 6'0" is a concern at the next level, Smith compensates with toughness, vision, and a strong feel for the game. Defensively, his effort and fundamentals are solid, but he may struggle when matched up against bigger, more athletic guards. To maximize his NBA potential, improving his shot selection, defensive versatility, and effectiveness in an off-ball role will be key.
"Smaller guards always raise concerns, and Smith is no exception. However, he epitomizes what most college coaches want in a point guard. He’s only a junior, and another year would benefit him. It may sound elementary, but to put it simply, he’s good at basketball. We’ll continue to monitor his progress." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
High Basketball IQ: Makes smart decisions and controls the tempo.
Pick-and-Roll Playmaker: Reads defenses well and creates for teammates.
Reliable Shooter: Can knock down spot-up threes and mid-range jumpers.
Competitive Rebounder for Size: Crashes the glass effectively for a guard.
Crafty Finisher: Uses angles and touch to score at the rim despite his size.
Concerns
Size & Physicality: Lacks the ideal height and frame for an NBA point guard.
Shot Selection: Needs to refine decision-making on tough shots.
Defensive Matchups: Could struggle to guard bigger, more physical NBA guards.
Off-Ball Effectiveness: Has been a primary ball-handler; must prove he can thrive off the ball.
Questions
Can his skill set and IQ compensate for his lack of size at the NBA level?
Will he become a defensive liability against bigger, stronger guards?
Can he maintain his impact and efficiency when playing an off-ball role?
Bottom Line
Braden Smith is a smart, tough, and skilled point guard with strong playmaking instincts and scoring ability. His lack of size is a hurdle, but his vision, shooting, and feel for the game give him a chance to carve out a role at the next level. If he continues to refine his shot selection, develop his off-ball game, and prove he can hold his own defensively, he has the potential to become a reliable backup point guard with room to grow into more.