Malachi Smith has made a post high school career betting on himself and having faith in the process.
So while the former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga standout’s journey to the NBA hasn’t been smooth — and still far from complete — that bet cashed in recently.
Based off his play on consecutive 10-day contracts in March, Smith was rewarded with a two-year, “rest of season” deal with the Brooklyn Nets, meaning only the remainder of the just-completed regular season was guaranteed. If the 6-foot-4 guard can remain on the team through Jan. 10, 2027, the rest of his two-year, $2,216,755 contract will be guaranteed.
He made $254,794 this season, between the two 10-day contracts and the rest-of-the-season deal, and earned his spot through his work.
“I was just ecstatic and just grateful. Just gave glory to God, of course, and just tried to be present,” Smith told team media recently.