Purdue's Braden Smith defies size with NBA Draft Combine performance
Purdue's Braden Smith defies size with NBA Draft Combine performance
Sam King, Lafayette Journal & CourierThu, May 14, 2026 at 8:03 AM UTC
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CHICAGO − Braden Smith knew the thing against him well before he showed up at the NBA Draft Combine.
He's 5-foot-10 1/4 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," said Northwestern's Nick Martinelli. "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.
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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.
Only four of the 67 players participating in the combine ranked in the top 25 in spot up shooting, five-star shooting, off the dribble shooting, shuttle run, and max vertical leap during NBA combine drills.
Smith was among the four.
Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) defends Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) as he shoots the ball during a NCAA Tournament game Saturday, March 28, 2026 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.
"I know I'm quick. I know I'm fast. I can move. I can jump. I just obviously don't dunk," Smith said. "Being able to come out here and just do that jump the way I did, and wingspan (measured at 6-3 1/4) obviously helps with that kind of stuff, I think it kind of gives people a reminder that I do have that and I am capable of those things."
Then there's the immeasurable, something fellow combine participant Pete Suder of Miami (Ohio) knew long before Smith sat next to him during Wednesday's media session.
Suder and Smith first went head-to-head in sixth grade: Suder playing for Clay Middle School in Carmel and Smith for Westfield.
"His IQ is through the roof," Suder said.
That, maybe more so than passing ability, is where Smith can set himself apart at the next level.
"His passion and his mind for the game," said Ohio State's Bruce Thornton, who has played against Smith six times over the past four seasons. "When you can think the game at a high level, you're always going to have a chance. Everybody here is super athletic. Everybody has great talent. But when you can use your mind at a high level, it kind of negates that size sometimes."
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue's Braden Smith showcases ability at NBA Draft Combine
Source: “AOL Sports”
