Nolan Smith and His NBA Career
Nolan Smith was a professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for two seasons. Although his time in the NBA was relatively short, Smith was able to make an impact in the game of basketball.
Early Life and College Career
Nolan Smith was born on November 2, 1988 in Washington, D.C. to parents of African-American descent. He attended St. John’s College High School in Washington D.C., where he played both football and basketball.
In 2006, Smith committed to Duke University, where he would play under legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski. Smith was a four-year starter for the Blue Devils, and in 2010 he was named ACC Player of the Year. He finished his college career as the school’s all-time leader in steals, and the second all-time leading scorer behind J.J. Redick.
Getting Drafted
Smith was selected 21st overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. As a rookie, he played in 45 games and averaged 4.1 points and 1.7 assists per game.
Signing with the Knicks
In 2012, Smith signed a contract with the New York Knicks. He played in 24 games for the team and averaged 3.3 points and 1.5 assists per game.
Traded to the Celtics
In 2013, Smith was traded to the Boston Celtics. He played in 15 games for the team, averaging 2.3 points and 1.3 assists per game.
Signing with the Timberwolves
In 2014, Smith signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played in three games for the team and averaged 2.3 points and 0.7 assists per game.
A Return to the Knicks
In 2015, Smith returned to the Knicks for a second stint with the team. He played in five games and averaged 2.4 points and 0.8 assists per game.
Final Stops in the NBA
In 2016, Smith signed with the Reno Bighorns of the NBA Development League. He also had brief stints with the Sacramento Kings and the Denver Nuggets.
Retirement
In 2017, Smith announced his retirement from the NBA. He finished his career with averages of 3.3 points, 1.5 assists, and 0.6 rebounds per game.
Post-Retirement Life
Since retiring, Smith has become a basketball analyst for ESPN. He also works as a basketball trainer and mentor, helping young players reach their full potential.
How Long Did Nolan Smith Play in the NBA?
Nolan Smith played in the NBA for two seasons, from 2011 to 2017. During that time, he played for the Portland Trail Blazers, the New York Knicks, the Boston Celtics, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Reno Bighorns, the Sacramento Kings, and the Denver Nuggets.
Conclusion
Nolan Smith was a professional basketball player who played in the NBA for two seasons. Although his time in the NBA was relatively short, Smith was able to make an impact in the game of basketball. After his retirement, Smith has become a basketball analyst for ESPN and a basketball trainer and mentor. He has helped many young players reach their full potential.