As the Golden State Warriors continue to battle inconsistency at the NBA level, a compelling development has quietly unfolded within their developmental system.
Their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, made a largely overlooked move on February 10, acquiring undrafted rookie guard Deivon Smith from the College Park Skyhawks in exchange for a first-round and second-round pick in the 2026 G League Draft.
At the time, the deal attracted little attention. However, Smith has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing additions in the G League, initially carving out a role off the bench before earning a spot in the starting lineup through sheer production.
Golden State Warriors Uncover Overlooked Talent in Deivon Smith
Smith’s latest performance came on Tuesday in a narrow 128-126 loss to the Rip City Remix, where he delivered 20 points in 35 minutes.
He shot 6-of-16 from the field, added a three-pointer, and converted all four of his free-throw attempts, highlighting his scoring potential.
His impact extended far beyond scoring. Smith also pulled down 11 rebounds, dished out six assists, and recorded a steal, showcasing his ability to influence every facet of the game.
Remarkably, despite standing just six feet tall, the outing marked his second consecutive game with double-digit rebounds, underlining his exceptional motor and positional awareness.
Two days earlier, Smith produced one of the most complete performances of his young career.
In a 118-113 win over Rip City, he recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. His activity on the glass was particularly striking, with four offensive rebounds helping generate additional possessions and momentum for Santa Cruz.
His impact was immediate following the trade. Thrust straight into a back-to-back set against the Memphis Hustle, Smith announced himself with authority, scoring 26 points in his debut before erupting for a career-high 32 points the following night, both off the bench.
Through his first four games with Santa Cruz, Smith has averaged 23.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and one steal per game while shooting 44.3% from the field and an eye-catching 50% from three-point range.
Those numbers reflect not just scoring ability, but a rare all-around profile for a guard.
Warriors Face Growing Urgency Amid Smith’s Rising Stock
Before arriving in Santa Cruz, Smith began the season with College Park after being released by the Atlanta Hawks at the conclusion of training camp.
In 20 games prior to the trade, he averaged 8.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per contest while shooting 46.4% from the field and 25% from three.
Even then, his potential was evident when given larger roles. His production surged in games where he received extended minutes, offering early signs of the versatile skillset that is now fully emerging with Santa Cruz.
Importantly, Smith remains on a standard G League contract, meaning he is not tied to the Warriors organization at the NBA level. He is free to sign with any franchise on a 10-day contract, two-way deal, or standard NBA contract at any time.
Several teams have already capitalized on similar situations this season, signing standout G League performers away from their affiliates.
Just last month, the Houston Rockets signed scoring leader Tristen Newton to a two-way deal from the Iowa Wolves. Golden State itself recently experienced the risk firsthand when the Philadelphia 76ers signed center Charles Bassey away from Santa Cruz on a pair of 10-day contracts.
While the Warriors have since added Nate Williams to one of their two-way slots, all three positions are currently occupied by Williams, L.J. Cryer, and Malevy Leons. Meanwhile, other NBA teams still have flexibility to sign emerging G League talent.
With Smith rapidly establishing himself as one of the most productive guards in the league, Golden State now faces a narrowing window to secure his long-term future.
If his trajectory continues, rival teams may soon step in, forcing the Golden State Warriors to act decisively or risk losing their latest developmental success story.
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