2022 NBA Draft: Who are the 10 best prospects in this draft class?
6. Jabari Smith Jr. – Auburn Tigers
6-10 220 lbs. 7-1 WS
34 GP 16.9 ppg 7.4 rpg 1.0 bpg 1.1 spg 42.9 FG% 42 3P% 79.9 FT%
Shades of: Jaren Jackson Jr., Rashard Lewis, Kristaps Porzingis
Smith is an enigma of a prospect. On one end the alluring shotmaking, defensive versatility, and competitiveness can all be driving points for Smith to be the top overall pick. However, I am a bit lower on him compared to the consensus due to the early signs of lack of wiggle, spotty dribbling, and trouble finishing around the rim. All flaws that could dissipate over time as he’s only 19 years old.
Being shot happy this early in his career looks promising. Sometimes trigger happy but that could be a result of the free-flowing Auburn offense where he had the greenlight to shoot 12+ shots per game. He positions himself well keeping a sturdy base; gathering the ball to quickly shoot the ball. Off the catch his footwork to get into his shot is pristine. A quick flick of the wrist, ball kept high, for a smooth shot from long range. Smith could very well grow into a sharpshooter at the next level.
Coaches will love to have Smith in pick-and-pop actions. Such great fluidity, balance, and grace in spot-up situations. Ranking in the 94% percentile according to Synergy in spot-up situations. Smith is already comfortable working off of others. Kudos to him doing so well in the context of he didn’t play with a real playmaker at Auburn.
Alongside shot-happy guards Smith was able to carve out a ginormous role in the looks allocated for him. Making the best out of nothing. Some games even preserved Auburn’s top-ranking all the way up until February. Going nuclear was the norm, etching over 20+ points in 14/34 games.
The comparisons that I drew for him all have a common trait of looking down at their opponent and letting it fly from deep. This brings my hesitancy to selecting him super high when analyzing his potential offensive production. Could he develop into a top-scoring option on a playoff-contending team? If not that poses the question will his defensive tools, which are impressive this far, transcend his offensive output.
On the opposite end of the floor, Smith was great on-ball and protecting the weak side. Always engaged in on-ball pressure resulted in opponents picking up the ball, fumbling, stalled offensive actions, and bad looks. Sliding his feet well combined with opening up his long torso, opponents had trouble turning the curve on him. Posing as a formidable defensive force his potential as a defensive stalwart is something worth betting on. All-Defensive accolades could be on the horizon with more discipline and technique.
I don’t doubt Smith will be beneficial on the offensive side of the ball due to him being able to hit from extended range. Even if the jumper never becomes super consistent, teams can bank on him being a floor spacer other teams have to keep an eye on. I do feel like a lot of his production on the offensive end is foggy, we just don’t know if he simply will add those other aspects. Defensively, I have no worries. Right now I project him to be a 3rd option on a championship competing team. I don’t think you take a top pick on Smith, just with the offensive uncertainties.