Smith came off the bench to score 17 points (7-13 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-4 FT), nine assists, and three steals over a whopping 38 minutes in Tuesday’s season-opening loss to the Warriors.

Incredibly, Smith played more than any of the nine Pelicans players who suited up Tuesday, despite being claimed off waivers by the team just a day earlier. With Jrue Holiday (rest) sitting out for the first game of a back-to-back and Tyreke Evans and Norris Cole out with injuries, the Pelicans were forced to roll with Smith and Nate Robinson as their only point guards. Though Robinson got the start, he battled foul trouble throughout the night and was doubled up in playing time by Smith. It’s generally expected that Holiday will be back on the court for Wednesday’s game in Portland, but Smith might have leapfrogged Robinson on the depth chart with this performance. As a result, he could continue to routinely log 20-plus minutes off the bench until the team gets healthier.