Former Michigan State basketball guard joins New Orleans Pelicans’ staff

Davis Smith is joining the Pelicans as their new Basketball Operations Manager.

A former member of the Michigan State basketball program and a prominent legacy has found a role at the next level. On Wednesday, it was announced that Davis Smith, son of MSU legend Steve Smith, will be joining the New Orleans Pelicans‘ staff as their new basketball operations manager.

Smith played four seasons with the Spartans from 2020 to 2024. His last played game was in the 2024 NCAA Tournament against Mississippi State, where he hit his second career three-pointer off an assist from Steven Izzo. Smith was also a Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree back in 2024.

While Smith was never a part of the rotation at MSU, he did appear in 43 career games and hit 40-percent of his threes, albeit on very small volume, in his senior season. Despite his role, Smith was considered to be a leader on the team and invaluable member of the scout team, helping the Spartans prepare for their match-ups.