Former Purdue point guard Braden Smith, the 38th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, signed a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers on Monday, the team announced.
Smith was a first-team All-American last season as a senior, averaging 14.3 points, 8.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals while shooting 36.2% from 3-point range. He led the country in assists with 345, the fifth-most in a single season in history.
The 23-year-old left college as the all-time career leader in assists (1,103), surpassing former Duke guard Bobby Hurley, who set the record in 1993. Smith is the only player in history to finish with at least 1,500 points, 1,000 assists and 500 rebounds in a career.
We have signed guard Braden Smith to a two-way contract.
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Smith debuted with the Pacers in summer league, averaging 6.8 points, seven assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals while shooting 29.4% from 3-point range in five games. He was tied for the second-most assists among all players for games in Las Vegas (35).
The Indiana native will split his time next season between the NBA and the Noblesville Boom in the G League. He is eligible to play up to 50 games in the NBA and will earn $678,882, which is 50% of the minimum salary for a player with zero years of service.
Smith was cleared to sign after a two-way spot opened following the waiving of Ethan Thompson, who will play next season in Europe. He joins Kobe Brown and Jalen Slawson on two-way contracts.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Pacers sign 38th overall pick Braden Smith to two-way contract
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