NBA Draft 2019: Top 25 undrafted players since 2000

Following the Chris Paul era at Wake Forest, Ish Smith was an effective passer at the point guard position. He averaged 6.0 assists per game a couple of times, including doing it as a senior in 2010 when Smith was named to the All-ACC team. His lack of shooting and size dropped him off the draft boards before getting signed by the Houston Rockets as a free agent.

In the first few years, Smith had limited participation with his respective teams. But he did get an extended look with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, putting up 12.0 points and 6.1 assists per game in 2015.

Ever since then, the 5-foot-11 guard solidified his NBA future, producing a career-high 14.7 points and 7.0 assists per with the 76ers in 2016, starting all 50 games played. Smith would then go to the Detroit Pistons, where he has established himself as a primary backup to starter Reggie Jackson, who has been injured at times in the past few years.

Smith came in and has played admirably, averaging nearly double figures in scoring and still passing the ball at a high rate. He’s an underrated defender and has held his own against some of the best point guards in the NBA.

The soon to be 31-year-old nearly didn’t stick in the NBA, but took advantage of a lowly roster with the rebuilding 76ers. He’s now a mainstay in the league and is one of the best backup ball handlers around. Despite his noted weaknesses, Smith relied on his strengths to remain in the NBA.

Career stats (542 games): 7.4 points, 3.8 assists, 2.4 rebounds per game