Career Timeline of Nolan Smith: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 20, 2026

Discover the career path of Nolan Smith, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Nolan Smith is a former American professional basketball player and current head coach for Tennessee State. He played college basketball at Duke University, where he won a national championship in 2010. As a senior, he was named a consensus first-team All-American and the ACC Player of the Year. Smith was drafted 21st overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2011 NBA draft.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2000: Euroleague

Nolan Smith hitting a buzzer beater three-pointer secured his team a spot in the 2014–15 Euroleague, and leaving a Serbian legendary club Partizan out of the Euroleague for the first time since ULEB takeover of the competition in 2000.

November 13, 2006: Signed National Letter of Intent

On November 13, 2006, Nolan Smith signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for Duke University.

January 6, 2008: First Collegiate Start

On January 6, 2008, Nolan Smith earned his first collegiate start against Cornell, scoring nine points.

November 21, 2008: Season-High Points Against Michigan

On November 21, 2008, Nolan Smith scored a season-high 16 points, along with five rebounds and four assists, against Michigan.

March 28, 2010: Elite Eight Victory and Career High Points

On March 28, 2010, Nolan Smith scored a then career-high 29 points in an Elite Eight game, helping Duke defeat Baylor and advance to the Final Four.

2010: National Champion

In 2010, Nolan Smith was a junior starting shooting guard for Duke's national champion team.

February 9, 2011: Career High Points in Win over North Carolina

On February 9, 2011, Nolan Smith scored a career high 34 points in a home win over North Carolina, making a career-high 13 field goal attempts.

December 9, 2011: Signed Rookie Contract with Trail Blazers

On December 9, 2011, Nolan Smith signed his rookie scale contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

2011: NBA Draft

In 2011, Nolan Smith was drafted 21st overall by the Portland Trail Blazers.

January 6, 2013: Assignment to the Idaho Stampede

On January 6, 2013, Nolan Smith was assigned to the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League before being recalled by the Trail Blazers.

July 2013: NBA Summer League with the Boston Celtics

In July 2013, Nolan Smith participated in the NBA Summer League with the Boston Celtics, playing in only one game.

August 18, 2013: Signs with Cedevita Zagreb

On August 18, 2013, Nolan Smith signed a one-year deal with Cedevita Zagreb of the Croatian League.

July 2014: NBA Summer League with Oklahoma City Thunder

In July 2014, Nolan Smith participated in the NBA Summer League with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

August 29, 2014: Signs with Galatasaray Liv Hospital

On August 29, 2014, Nolan Smith signed a one-year deal with Galatasaray Liv Hospital of the Turkish Basketball League.

October 27, 2014: Parted Ways with Galatasaray

On October 27, 2014, Nolan Smith parted ways with Galatasaray.

November 26, 2014: Acquired by the Delaware 87ers

On November 26, 2014, Nolan Smith was acquired by the Delaware 87ers of the NBA Development League.

2014: Euroleague

In 2014, Nolan Smith hitting a buzzer beater three-pointer secured his team a spot in the 2014–15 Euroleague, and leaving a Serbian legendary club Partizan out of the Euroleague for the first time after 14 years, and the first time since ULEB takeover of the competition in 2000.