Name: Jabari Smith
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Position: Small Forward/Power Forward
College/Organization: Auburn
NBA Comparison: Rashard Lewis
Strengths: Filled with a ton of length and physical capabilities, Jabari Smith comes in as one of the most well-rounded prospects with the most upside. He’s an effective scorer from all three levels including a 42 percent three-point percentage. Smith is an effective free throw shooter as well, holding a percentage around 80%. He limits turning the ball over, averaging less than two turnovers per game. His balance of athleticism and finesse is on an elite level. He’s great with and without the ball in terms of off-ball movement. Overall, Smith has a high-quality IQ for the offensive game. At the same time, he’s not the most elite defender, but Smith’s physical capabilities allow him to be versatile while not being forced to take a ton of risks to put himself into foul trouble. He’s able to guard 1-5 despite a thinner frame for his height, averaging 1.5 steals and a block per game.
Weaknesses: Adding more muscle could unlock so much more for his style of play. NBA physicality could be an issue if he doesn’t add any muscle to his frame. While he is an excellent three-level scorer, his mid-range is easily the weakest of the three. His rebounding numbers are also a bit underwhelming for his frame. He’s not the most gifted passer either. His ball-handling could also always use improvement for more elite defenders.
NBA Outlook: Smith comes into the draft with the combination of a high ceiling but also a skill set that makes him a ready now prospect that can impact any team immediately. Being the first overall pick is certainly not out of the question for Smith’s skill set. Smith can easily be a number one option offensively for a rebuilding team. The Magic, Rockets, and Thunder could all use someone like Smith who comes into the league as potentially the next Kevin Durant but with a high floor of a dynamic scorer.
Ethan Hartley 