BIO: David Smith was born in Melbourne (VIC) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Knox basketball program. Smith received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 1997. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

NBL EXPERIENCE

David Smith made his NBL debut with the North Melbourne Giants at 18 years of age. He scored four points in his first game.

After being eliminated by Melbourne in the 1997 semifinals, North Melbourne moved into what became its final Giants season with the club’s financial pressure still growing. Mike Mitchell, Paul Rees (to Adelaide), Rod Johnson (to Canberra), Stephen Hoare (to West Sydney) and Matthew Reece all exited the team, while Brett Brown retained Darryl McDonald, Pat Reidy, David Stiff, Andrew Goodwin and Matthew Shanahan. Paul Maley also returned after missing the previous season with a back injury, with Ben Pepper (via Newcastle), David Close (via Canberra), rookie Smith (via AIS) and new import Darnell Hoskins added to round out the roster.

North Melbourne opened the season at Beaton Park on January 30 without McDonald, losing to Wollongong 109-96 as Smith (4 points, 1 assist, and 1 block) made his NBL debut at 18, with Reidy (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Hoskins (15 points) leading the Giants in the loss.

With McDonald sidelined for the opening 13 games, Brown added Nate Driggers to cover the backcourt while Smith (7.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals) earned minutes in a team short on depth. North Melbourne lost its first five games before defeating Melbourne 102-82 on February 27 behind Reidy (22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Hoskins (29 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists), while Smith played 14:45 minutes in the win.

Smith (13 points and 8 rebounds) gave North Melbourne one of its few early bright spots in Townsville on March 7 as the Giants defeated the Crocodiles 104-95, with Hoskins (25 points and 7 rebounds) and Reidy (20 points and 7 rebounds) helping the team claim what became its only road win of the season.

Driggers (6 points and 3.3 rebounds) played seven games before being released after failing to provide the cover needed during McDonald’s absence. Hoskins (17 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals) briefly looked like he might settle the import spot when Hoskins (40 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Reidy (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) led North Melbourne to a 97-91 win over Sydney on March 14, but Hoskins played his final game on March 29 and was released as Brown continued reshaping the roster, with NBL legend Butch Hays (8.9 points and 3.4 assists) brought out of retirement on April 3 to steady the group before McDonald returned.

Smith (16 points and 2 steals) produced his first major scoring game on March 29 as North Melbourne defeated Wollongong 110-92, with Pepper (28 points, 27 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Maley (15 points and 5 rebounds) leading the Giants to one of their strongest home wins of the season.

McDonald (12.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 2.3 steals) returned against Adelaide on April 4 as North Melbourne defeated the 36ers 115-99, with Reidy (20 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Maley (19 points and 4 rebounds) leading the way while Smith (6 points and 4 rebounds) played 18:15 minutes as the Giants collected only their fourth win of the year.

Smith (16 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) delivered one of his best all-round games against Melbourne on April 18, but North Melbourne lost 112-106 despite Reidy (26 points and 8 rebounds) and Maley (25 points and 8 rebounds) keeping the Giants close.

Smith’s best scoring game came against Brisbane on May 29, where Smith (19 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led North Melbourne in a 110-91 loss, with McDonald (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Maley (18 points and 6 rebounds) providing support.

Reidy (17.9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists) led North Melbourne in scoring, while Pepper (13.7 points and 8.2 rebounds) gave the Giants a new interior focal point after arriving from Newcastle. Maley (12.7 points and 4.9 rebounds) returned from injury and became one of the team’s steadier scorers, while Stiff (11.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals), Goodwin (10.4 points and 4.8 rebounds), Shanahan (6.4 points) and Close (6.1 points) filled out Brown’s rotation. Smith’s emergence was one of the few positives from a difficult season, with the 18-year-old earning Rookie of the Year.

North Melbourne defeated Perth 109-103 in its final home game on June 5, with Smith (14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals), Pepper (22 points and 7 rebounds) and McDonald (21 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists) helping the Giants claim one of their best wins of the season. North Melbourne closed the season the next night at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, falling 115-113 to Sydney to finish 10th with a 9-21 record, including only one road win, as Smith (10 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) played 37:01 minutes in the loss.

At the end of the season, North Melbourne merged with South East Melbourne after several years of financial instability. The new club was launched as the Victoria Titans, with Smith, McDonald, Pepper and Maley being retained.

VICTORIA TITANS
1998/99
After the NBL’s move to summer, interest in the league had declined, and financially, it had become difficult for Melbourne to sustain three separate clubs. In an effort to boost sponsorship and membership numbers, the South East Melbourne Magic merged with the North Melbourne Giants, who had struggled financially for a number of years.

The team was re-branded to the Victoria Titans and, with the majority of the front office being former Magic owners, a decision was made to retain Brian Goorjian as head coach, leaving Giants coach Brett Brown without a job. Selecting a team generated criticism as Goorjian’s appointment coincided with the decision not to offer Pat Reidy (to Newcastle), then a member of the Australian national team, a spot on the roster.

The Titans completed their roster by signing four players from the Giants roster, Darryl McDonald, Ben Pepper, David Smith and Paul Maley, and five players from the Magic roster, Jason Smith, Frank Drmic, Brett Wheeler, Mike Kelly and Tony Ronaldson, while Brad Sheridan (via AIS) also joined the new club.

Victoria opened its inaugural season against Melbourne at Melbourne Park on October 10, where David Smith (3 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists) played 14:08 minutes, but the Tigers defeated the Titans 99-80. McDonald (16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) and Pepper (15 points and 10 rebounds) were Victoria’s best as the new roster struggled for cohesion in its first game together.

After winning Rookie of the Year with North Melbourne the previous season, David Smith (1.9 points across 24 games) saw his production drop sharply in a stacked Titans roster, moving to the end of Goorjian’s rotation and playing short minutes behind McDonald, Kelly, Jason Smith, Drmic and Wheeler.

David Smith’s best all-round game came against the West Sydney on December 4, where he finished with 4 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block as Victoria defeated the Spirit 101-73. Ronaldson (22 points and 7 rebounds) and Pepper (18 points and 8 rebounds) led the scoring as Smith made his biggest impact as a passer and defender in 19:57 minutes.

David Smith’s best scoring game came against Melbourne on December 12, where he finished with 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists as Victoria defeated the Tigers 92-80 at Melbourne Park. Pepper (21 points and 7 rebounds) and Jason Smith (19 points and 11 rebounds) led the Titans as the win gave Victoria a measure of payback after its opening-night loss.

David Smith (5 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal) also contributed against Sydney on February 27 as Victoria defeated the Kings 98-87 at Melbourne Park, with Ronaldson (27 points and 6 rebounds) and Pepper (15 points and 5 rebounds) helping the Titans continue their late-season push.

Ronaldson (16.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists), who was named team captain of the new franchise, responded by leading Victoria in scoring and earning club MVP honours. Pepper (12.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks) finished second in scoring and led the team in rebounds and blocks, while McDonald (11.1 points, 5 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 2.4 steals) led both the Titans and the NBL in assists and steals. Jason Smith (11.2 points and 4.1 rebounds), Wheeler (11 points and 5.9 rebounds), Drmic (10.8 points and 5.2 rebounds), Kelly (10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals) and Maley (7.2 points) gave Goorjian seven double-figure scorers as Victoria finished fourth with a 16-10 record, lost only three games at home and entered the playoffs on a four-game winning streak.

Victoria opened the Qualifying Finals at Melbourne Park by defeating Wollongong 96-65 behind Ronaldson (20 points and 4 rebounds), Jason Smith (18 points), Wheeler (15 points and 6 rebounds), Pepper (12 points and 16 rebounds) and Maley (12 points and 5 rebounds), while David Smith (2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) played 10:55 minutes as the Titans took control of the series.

Game two moved to the WIN Entertainment Centre, where Victoria defeated Wollongong 91-82 and completed the sweep behind Ronaldson (20 points and 4 rebounds), Jason Smith (19 points and 5 rebounds), Wheeler (14 points and 8 rebounds) and McDonald (7 points, 5 rebounds, 14 assists, and 5 steals).

The semifinals opened at Melbourne Park, where Victoria ground out an 80-77 win over Melbourne behind Ronaldson (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists), Maley (16 points) and McDonald (11 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists), while Marcus Timmons (31 points and 9 rebounds) led the Tigers.

Game two stayed at Melbourne Park, where Kelly (19 points and 7 rebounds), Pepper (15 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and McDonald (13 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals) led Victoria to a 94-87 win over Melbourne, completing the sweep and sending the Titans into a Grand Final series against Adelaide.

The Grand Final series opened in Melbourne, where Adelaide made 16 three-pointers and defeated Victoria 104-94 behind Brett Maher (31 points) and Darnell Mee (25 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists). McDonald (23 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), Ronaldson (19 points and 4 rebounds) and Pepper (18 points) led Victoria, while David Smith (0 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) played 5:14 minutes.

Game two moved to Adelaide, where Maher (25 points) came out firing for the 36ers, but Victoria slowed the game down and levelled the series with an 88-82 win. Ronaldson (22 points), Wheeler (18 points and 9 rebounds), Jason Smith (15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and McDonald (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) led the Titans and forced a deciding game.

Game three remained in Adelaide, where more than 7,000 36ers fans saw Martin Cattalini (19 points and 9 rebounds) lead Adelaide and Maher (15 points and 7 rebounds) named Grand Final MVP as the 36ers completed back-to-back championships. Pepper (15 points) and Ronaldson (15 points and 6 rebounds) led Victoria, who shot 26-of-78 from the field, while David Smith (2 points) played 1:06 minutes in the 80-69 loss.

1999/00
After Victoria’s second straight Grand Final loss, Brian Goorjian kept most of the roster together but looked to add more youth after falling short of a championship. Paul Maley (to Adelaide) and Mike Kelly (to Townsville) exited, while Nathan Taylor returned to the roster and development player Glen Siegle was elevated into the full squad.

Tony Ronaldson, Darryl McDonald, Jason Smith, Frank Drmic, Brett Wheeler, Ben Pepper, David Smith and Brad Sheridan all returned as Victoria entered its second season still chasing the title that had eluded both the Magic and Titans in the previous two years.

Victoria opened the season at Melbourne Park on October 2, where David Smith (8 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) gave the Titans quality minutes off the bench as they defeated Townsville 106-95. Jason Smith (29 points and 7 rebounds), McDonald (19 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals) and Drmic (17 points) led the scoring as Victoria began the season with a home win.

After seeing his role drop sharply in Victoria’s first season, David Smith (5 points and 3 rebounds) worked back into a steadier reserve role, giving Goorjian another ball-handler and defender behind McDonald, Jason Smith, Drmic and Wheeler.

David Smith’s best scoring game came against West Sydney on December 10, where he finished with 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals as Victoria defeated the Razorbacks 100-81 at Melbourne Park. Jason Smith (22 points and 5 rebounds), Ronaldson (21 points) and McDonald (15 points and 13 rebounds) led the main rotation as the Titans improved to 9-2.

David Smith added 12 points against Melbourne on February 12 as Victoria defeated the Tigers 99-88 at Melbourne Park. Ronaldson (24 points and 9 rebounds), Jason Smith (20 points) and Drmic (15 points and 6 rebounds) led the Titans as Victoria bounced back from a heavy loss to West Sydney two nights earlier.

David Smith also produced one of his best rebounding games against Adelaide on December 26, finishing with 4 points and 10 rebounds, but the 36ers defeated Victoria 103-77. Jason Smith (15 points and 7 rebounds), McDonald (15 points) and Drmic (10 points and 7 rebounds) were Victoria’s main contributors in the loss.

Jason Smith (17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals) enjoyed a breakout season, leading Victoria in scoring and earning club MVP honours. Ronaldson (16 points and 5.4 rebounds) remained captain and one of the Titans’ most reliable scorers, while McDonald (13.8 points, 4 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2.5 steals) led both Victoria and the NBL in assists and steals. Drmic (13.3 points and 5.6 rebounds), Wheeler (11.9 points and 7.7 rebounds) and Pepper (10.4 points and 6 rebounds) helped Victoria deliver a balanced attack with six players scoring in double figures. The Titans finished fourth with a 20-8 record, built their season around a 11-3 home record and entered the playoffs against Melbourne.

Victoria opened the elimination finals at Melbourne Park, where Melbourne took game one 101-94 despite Jason Smith (22 points and 5 rebounds), McDonald (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Drmic (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) leading the Titans. David Smith (6 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal) played 16:47 minutes in the loss.

Game two stayed at Melbourne Park, where Victoria answered with a 78-70 win behind Ronaldson (18 points and 5 rebounds), McDonald (15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals), Jason Smith (13 points and 4 rebounds) and Drmic (12 points and 11 rebounds). David Smith (2 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists) played 11:15 minutes as the Titans forced a deciding game.

Game three remained in Melbourne, where Victoria overcame Andrew Gaze (30 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists) and eliminated the Tigers with a 105-96 win. McDonald (29 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals) led the Titans, while Ronaldson (19 points and 7 rebounds), Jason Smith (14 points) and Drmic (14 points and 8 rebounds) helped Victoria move into a semifinal series against Adelaide. David Smith (5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) played 21:12 minutes in the win.

The semifinals opened in Melbourne, where Victoria defeated Adelaide 101-86 behind Ronaldson (26 points and 5 rebounds), McDonald (24 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) and Jason Smith (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals), taking game one against the team that had ended the Titans’ previous two seasons. David Smith (4 points, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) played 26:10 minutes in the win.

Game two moved to Adelaide, where Martin Cattalini (24 points and 7 rebounds) and Darnell Mee (22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals) led the 36ers back into the series with a 95-72 win. Ronaldson (17 points and 5 rebounds), Drmic (14 points) and Jason Smith (13 points) were Victoria’s main contributors, while David Smith (0 points and 3 rebounds) played 21:07 minutes as Adelaide forced another deciding game.

Game three remained at Adelaide Arena, where Victoria finally overcame the 36ers with a 93-89 win behind McDonald (24 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals), Pepper (21 points and 7 rebounds) and Drmic (19 points and 4 rebounds), while Mee (22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) again filled the stat sheet for Adelaide. David Smith (0 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block) played 10:28 minutes as the win sent Victoria into its second straight Grand Final series.

The Grand Final series opened at Melbourne Park, where Perth defeated Victoria 84-78 behind league MVP Paul Rogers (24 points and 20 rebounds). Ronaldson (25 points) led the Titans, while Drmic (13 points and 4 rebounds), Jason Smith (11 points) and McDonald (8 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) kept Victoria within reach. David Smith (6 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal) played 19:35 minutes in the loss.

Game two moved to Perth, where Marcus Timmons (27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals) led the Wildcats to a 83-76 win and was named Finals MVP as Perth completed the sweep. McDonald (25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals) led Victoria, while David Smith (4 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal) played 24:01 minutes in the 83-76 loss.

MELBOURNE TIGERS
2000/01
The Tigers would see several new faces join the squad this season after losing both Bennett Davison (to Europe) and Warrick Giddey to injury. David Smith (via North Melbourne), Stephen Hoare (via West Sydney) and Nathan Taylor (via Victoria). Guard Phil Handy was signed as a import replacement for Bennett Davison, and Melbourne began the season winning five of their first eight matches.

Around this time, Phil Handy (10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists) joined Giddey on the injury list (missing eight games), so Jason Sedlock (3.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) was signed as an injury replacement during Handy’s absence. At the mid-way point of the season, Melbourne received the bonus of long-serving guard Lanard Copeland gaining his Australian citizenship and qualifying as a local player. To take advantage of that, Melbourne used the additional import spot to sign former Townsville star Clarence Tyson (3.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) for the remaining 14 games.

This season saw Daniel Egan (11.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 blocks) develop into a key part of the Tiger’s rotation, Copeland (20.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals) continue to score buckets as Gaze (29.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists) finished as the league’s highest scorer and Mark Bradtke (21.3 points, 14.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks) led the league in rebounds while also being selected to the All-NBL First team.

With Melbourne entering their final ten games, they sat just outside the top six and with Lindsey Gaze trying to balance the incoming talent with the Tigers’ existing core, they went on a five-game losing streak to drop out of the playoff race. A three-game winning streak to end the season came too late, and Melbourne finished in seventh spot (13-15), missing out on the playoffs by three wins. This would be the first time Melbourne would finish with a losing record and miss the playoffs since 1988.

Smith would appear in 27 games during his first year with the Tigers, averaging 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals.

2001/02
This season, Marcus Timmons would return to play for the Tigers, replacing the outgoing Phil Handy (to West Sydney). Timmons (16.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.0 blocks) would slot right back into the team, his presence catapulting the Tigers back to the top of the ladder. Lanard Copeland (25.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals) was also in amazing form this season, hoping to earn selection to the Boomers squad after being recently naturalised.

With Melburne sitting on 9 wins and 5 losses, they would lose Gaze after he succumbed to a ankle injury three minutes into a game against Townsville. The Tigers would then lose this game by two points (98-100) and Gaze (19.1 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) would miss twelve games with an ankle injury. This saw Melbourne drop from top of the ladder to fifth spot, recording 7 wins and 9 losses in Gaze’s absence. Mark Bradtke (22.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 blocks) would step up during this time, leading the league in rebounding for a sixth time and being selected as the NBL MVP at the end of the season.

Although not fully healed, Gaze would return to the court to help the Tigers (16-14) in their Qualifying Final matchup against crosstown rivals, the Victoria Titans (21-9).

Victoria had finished the season in first place and entered the series as clear favourites. However, after the Titans secured game one (107-113), the Tigers would bounce back with Copeland (41 points, 5 assists and 2 steals), who shot a impressive 14 from 27 shots (52%), and Timmons (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) having big games to deliver a Tigers win in game two (107-105). Copeland (37 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Timmons (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks) backed that performance in game three (103-97) to move onto the semi finals and face West Sydney. Gaze struggled through the series, playing in all three games but scoring total of 11 points.

Melbourne would face the fifth placed West Sydney Razorbacks (16-14) at home and behind Timmons (36 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals) and Bradtke (21 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals), come away victorious (114-93). Once the series moved to Sydney the Tigers lost games two (109-125) and three (103-115) with Gaze still not back to full health.

This season marked the first time Gaze failed to lead the Tigers in scoring since they entered the league in 1984, yet he still managed to lead the league in free throw shooting (88.4%). Smith would appear in all 36 games and average 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

2002/03
After coming close to a NBL Grand Final berth the prior season, which many feel they would have if not for a ankle injury that derailed Andrew Gaze for the playoffs, the Tigers underwent some small roster changes in 2002. Moving on were Daniel Egan (to Brisbane) and Warrick Giddey (retired), while Neil Mottram (via Perth), Blake and import Matt Rueter, who had both been playing in the state league, were also added to the roster.

Tigers started off slowly (2-4) before findng their groove and recording a four winning streak to improve to return to the top six by round 10 (6-4). Melbourne would lose Gaze (22.1 points, 4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.1 steals) to a knee infection that saw him miss four games (one win, three losses) with David Smith (5.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) inserted into the starting lineup. When Gaze returned to the lineup he was visibly unfit and several kilograms lighter. The Tigers had also dropped out of the playoffs picture again (9-11) after losing the NBL’s leading rebounder, Mark Bradtke (17.4 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks) for six games with back and hamstring issues.

In addition to Gaze and Bradtke, the Tigers would rely on Lanard Copeland (18.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals) and Marcus Timmons (13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3 assists 1.4 steals) to provide the offensive punch, with Neil Mottram (10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists) and Stephen Hoare (9.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) also stepping up in Bradtke’s absence.

Heading into the last round, the Tigers (14-14) needed to a extra win to avoid losing the sixth spot on the ladder to West Sydney (12-16), who had the head to head advantage against Melbourne. They would defeat Illawarra (108-99) locking in a playoff spot, but then lose to Townsville (104-106) to end the regular season (15-15).

Melbourne faced the first seed Sydney (22-8) in the Qualifying Finals and lost the opening game (89-101) thanks to big games from Kings stars Shane Heal (25 points), Kavossy Franklin (19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists) and David Stiff (18 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks).

In game two, Bradtke (21 points, 20 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals) and Kings star import Chris Williams (32 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 4 blocks) would battle inside in one of the greatest head to head battles of all-time. Although Williams would do it all that night, the Tigers locked down the Kings backcourt of Heal (14 points) and Franklin (16 points) and thanks to big games from Gaze (25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists) and Copeland (22 points and 5 assists), came away victors in game two (108-104).

With the series returning to Sydney, the Kings simply outclassed the Tigers in game three (114-89), with Williams (25 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks) continuing his unstoppable form and the Kings winning by 25 points. The Kings locked down Melbourne’s ‘Big Three’ of Gaze, Copeland and Bradtke who in rare fashion were limited to only 34 points combined. Stephen Hoare (15 points and 12 rebounds) top scoring for the Tigers.

2003/04
After Sydney eliminated Melbourne from the 2002/03 qualifying finals, Marcus Timmons (to Cairns), Greg Blake (to Victoria), Matt Rueter and Nathan Taylor exited the team. Head coach Lindsay Gaze retained Andrew Gaze, Mark Bradtke, Lanard Copeland, Stephen Hoare, David Smith, Neil Mottram, Daryl Corletto and Luke McMillan, while adding Darryl McDonald (via Victoria), David Donaldson and import Thalo Green.

Melbourne opened the season at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on October 1, where Smith (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) helped the Tigers defeat Hunter 105-77, with Gaze (30 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Copeland (19 points and 5 assists) leading the other scorers.

After the Tigers began the season with three consecutive wins, Dave Thomas (via Canberra) signed on October 8 and joined the rotation for Melbourne’s fourth game against West Sydney.

Smith (4.6 points across 35 games) continued to provide depth at guard and on the wing during his fourth season with Melbourne. The campaign became his final NBL season, with Smith retiring later in 2004 to focus on playing Australian Rules Football.

Smith’s strongest rebounding game came against Wollongong on November 15, where he finished with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, while Copeland (17 points and 5 rebounds) and Bradtke (15 points and 14 rebounds) provided support before the Hawks defeated Melbourne 84-78 at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.

One week later, Smith (10 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) produced one of his best all-round games as Melbourne responded to its heavy loss in Adelaide by defeating Victoria 95-90, with Gaze (23 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Bradtke (22 points and 7 rebounds) leading the Tigers.

Gaze (21.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 35 games) and Copeland (18.5 points and 3.2 assists across 35 games) remained Melbourne’s two leading offensive players, while Bradtke (15.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 32 games) led the NBL in rebounding and earned All-NBL First Team honours. Thomas (15.8 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals across 30 games), Hoare (9.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across 30 games), McDonald (7.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.6 steals across 34 games) and Green (7.6 points across 34 games) provided the other main support, with McDonald winning the NBL Best Sixth Man award.

Smith’s season-high scoring game came in Melbourne’s final regular-season contest against Hunter on February 29, where he finished with 16 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 15:34 minutes as the Tigers won 107-91, with Gaze (18 points and 6 assists) and Bradtke (16 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals) helping Melbourne secure fifth place with a 20-13 record.

The elimination final opened at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, where Melbourne recovered from a ten-point halftime deficit to defeat Adelaide 111-107 behind Gaze (31 points), Bradtke (25 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Thomas (23 points and 3 steals), while Martin Cattalini (31 points) and Dusty Rychart (27 points) led the 36ers. Smith (1 assist and 1 block) played 6:58 minutes in the win.

The quarterfinals moved to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, where Copeland (23 points), Gaze (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Thomas (12 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) kept Melbourne within reach, while Stephen Black (24 points) top-scored for Brisbane in the Bullets’ 112-101 win. Smith (2 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) played 7:50 minutes in the loss.

At the end of 2004 Smith would retire from basketball to focus on playing Australian Rules Football.

David Smith played seven seasons across three NBL teams. This included the North Melbourne Giants, Victoria Titans and Melbourne Tigers. He averaged 5.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 217 NBL games.