Smith originally attended Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, Arkansas before transferring to North Little Rock High School in North Little Rock, Arkansas[1] prior to his senior year.

[4][5] After leading North Little Rock High to a 26–3 record and the Arkansas Class 6A state championship, Smith was selected to play in the 2022 McDonald's All-American Boys Game and the Jordan Brand Classic.

On September 29, 2021, he committed to being on the college basketball team for the Arkansas Razorbacks, over other finalists Alabama, Auburn and Arkansas–Pine Bluff.

[10] Smith was selected with the 27th pick of the 2023 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets[11] and on July 2, he signed with the team.

[12] Throughout his rookie and sophomore seasons, he has been assigned several times to the Greensboro Swarm.