JABARI SMITH JR.
Auburn
Freshman
PF
6’10” | 210 | Wingspan: 7’1”
Age on draft night: 19.1
Draft Projection: 1-4
Preliminary Scouting Report:
In early December, Smith moved up to No. 3, and we proclaimed he had “a real shot to become the No. 1 pick.” It’s more than a shot now.
NBA scouts and GMs have moved significantly toward Smith. For the first time, I’m comfortable saying there’s a consensus No. 1 pick. Smith is also our first consensus Tier 1 prospect (potential superstar) in this draft.
While not everyone projects Smith as the No. 1 pick, a significant majority of scouts and GMs see him as the prospect with the highest ceiling in this draft class, with the elite combination of size, length, shooting ability, athleticism and motor to become an NBA star.
Smith isn’t as polished as Paolo Banchero, isn’t as explosive as Jaden Ivey and doesn’t have the defensive potential of Chet Holmgren. But he has so many strengths and so few weaknesses that most of the teams that I spoke with say he’d be their choice if the draft were today.
In his first 14 games, Smith is averaging 21.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 blocks and 2.1 steals per 36 minutes and shooting 44% from the field and 44% from 3.
Full Scouting Report Coming Soon …