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Maryland
Jalen Smith

Maryland

Sophomore
HT/WT/WS6' 10", 225lbs
Projected RoleFloor-spacing, shot-blocking big
Age20

PTS

15.5
19.8 per 40 

REB

10.5
13.4 per 40 

3PT

36.8%
87 3PA

Big Board Rankings


Strengths

  • "Has good size for an NBA power forward

  • at 6-foot-10

  • 225 pounds with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. Saw most of his minutes at center this season and should be able to play both big man spots in the NBA."

  • "Talented shooter with sound mechanics. He excels off screens and handoffs. His size and position make him even more valuable."

  • "Dynamic screening threat: He sets strong

  • fundamental picks

  • and forces defenses to respect his ability to dive to the rim or pop out for a 3."

  • "Good interior finisher with either hand. He has touch

  • and he can finish with power

  • especially on putbacks when crashing the boards."

  • "Runs the floor hard. He’ll beat defenses for dunks and layups

  • but he can also trail and drain 3s."

  • "High-motor

  • high-IQ defender. Solid shot blocker with a savvy sense of timing. Boxes out on the boards and rebounds well."

  • "Plus-shooter with deep range

  • especially for his size and position"

  • "Can make 3s at a consistent rate and has shown an ability to knock down above-the-break 3s"

  • "Consistent rebounder who crashes the glass with intensity"

  • "Very good shot blocker with good body control; high IQ gives him an edge to time his rotations"

Areas to Improve

  • "Doesn''t cover ground very well defensively. Hunched in his stance. Gets beaten off the dribble. A step slow to defend power forwards on the perimeter and lacks a degree of size and bulk to guard more traditional centers inside."

  • "A bit slow to elevate around the rim. He excelled in college but will need to become quicker in the pros."

  • "Doesn’t establish deep seals to get ideal post positioning due to his weak lower-body strength."

  • "Subpar passer. He panics when pressured

  • especially on the post. Even when he has space

  • he telegraphs passes like a quarterback staring down his receiver."

  • "Lacks agility changing directions

  • which especially hurts him on defense. Even if he recognizes a play

  • he can be a beat late."

  • "Stiff lateral movements hurt his pick-and-roll and perimeter defense. Guards blow by him too often. He needs to put in significant work on his body

  • especially his hips

  • to improve quickness."

  • "Can be a defensive liability and target; when he''s not affecting play at or around the rim

  • he struggles to move laterally and defend on the perimeter"

  • "Bad decision-maker as a passer; committed nearly twice as many turnovers (94) as assists (54) in two collegiate seasons"

Traits


"Perimeter Shooting"

"Shot Blocking"

Rebounding

Scouting Sources


"Jonathan Givony", "Kevin O''Conner", "CBS Sports"

Community Scouting Reports (6)


Devean Thomas
u/Dame_Time19

#15

RANK


NBA COMPARISON - Taj Gibson. Myles Turner

Jalen Smith is one of the best 3 and D players who performs exceptionally in the pick-and-pop game. He is also a great shot blocker.



Analysis done by @Dame_Time19. View their full  draft big board and scouting reports here.
Lenny Parsons
u/leoparso

#7

RANK


At first glance I want this guy on my team. Gets blocks by playing no non-sense brick wall style defense. Reminiscent of a throwback big from the 90''s but he moves well. He may possess the hot commodity of being able to handle a guard in PnR. Almost has a PJ Brown type build. 3pt Shooting drastically improved from 26.8% to 36.8%. There is reason to be very optimistic his 3 pt shooting could be effective in all 3 scenarios- catch and shoot, PNP, and coming off screens. Needs lower body strength. Could get pushed around early on in his career as a result.

  • Lacks a post game

  • Court Vision Defensive footwork needs to be refined. Overall Jalen Smith stock is up because it appears he could be very comfortable shooting the ball as a floor spacer right off the bat and he has potential to be a very solid defensive anchor with some bulking up and experience. Serge Ibaka comparisons will have to be hard earned but there is a start.



Analysis done by @leoparso. View their full  draft big board and scouting reports here.
FREE BOL BOL
u/Ravenclaw

#13

RANK


Player Comp: Nikola Vucevic Strengths: A long, versatile power forward with solid all around skill set … Possesses a 7’2 wingspan and 6’10 height … Shows the ability to contribute in a variety of ways, and on both ends of the floor … Showed intriguing development from his freshman to sophomore seasons … Has developed into a quality outside shooter, showing the range to knock down the three ball at a solid clip, making one per game at 36.8% … Also improved as a FT shooter, raising his average from 65 to 75% in his sophomore year … His ability to shoot on top of the length and athleticism makes him an intriguing option in today’s shot-centric league … A quality defender … Shows a solid ability to block shots utilizing long arms, leaping ability and excellent instincts to read and react opponents around the paint … Smith is a cerebral player, and shows good decision making ability … Productive college player, who played with consistency and energy … Has very good size and length at 6’10



Analysis done by @Ravenclaw. View their full  draft big board and scouting reports here.
Sam Sares
u/samsares995

#23

RANK


Modern NBA big: blocks, explosivness and 3pt shoot. A good rotational player, but probably not a star player



Analysis done by @samsares995. View their full  draft big board and scouting reports here.
Dashiell Decker
u/dashielldecker

#18

RANK


Strengths -Rim Protection -Rebounding -Outside Shooting -Athleticism -2-Way Versatility

Weaknesses -Strength/Weight -Passing -Post Offense -Second Bounce -Defensive Footwork

Projection: Mid 1st Round

Player Comp: Serge Ibaka

Ceiling: Solid Starter Floor: Role-Playing Reserve



Analysis done by @dashielldecker. View their full  draft big board and scouting reports here.
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u/bignumber0

#14

RANK


Jalen Smith fits into the mold of an improved Daniel Theis. Can shoot, block, rebound, and would fit well with the Celtics.



Analysis done by @bignumber0. View their full  draft big board and scouting reports here.