Jabari Smith 2022 NBA Draft Profile

The 2022 NBA Draft will be an important event for teams to build for their future. Here is the Jabari Smith 2022 NBA Draft Profile.

Jabari Smith Background

Position: Power Forward

Size: 6-foot-10, 220 pounds

School: Auburn

Class: Freshman

2021-22 stats: 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, 1.1 steals per game, 43.5 FG%, 42 3P%, 79.9 FT%

Smith was a game-changer for Auburn this season and rose up draft boards the more games he played. After just one season with the Tigers, Smith has declared for the 2022 NBA Draft.

As a five-star recruit, Smith was interested in plenty of schools in the south, but chose to play for Bruce Pearl at Auburn. His play helped Auburn get a no. 2 seed in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, but the Tigers lost in the second round. Smith averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game when it was all said and done. He shot 43.5 percent from the floor and 42 percent from 3-point range.

Even though he played just one season, he displayed his talent to plenty of NBA scouts. He is currently projected to be a top-five pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Jabari Smith Strengths

At 6-foot-10 and 220 pounds, Smith has a nice frame for the NBA. He can play the power forward spot or man the small-ball center spot for an NBA team. His arm length is also solid. With his size comes good body control, as he can move like a guard in the open court.

Smith showed the ability to stretch the floor at the collegiate level and should be able to extend his range to match the NBA game. He shot 42 percent from 3-point range at Auburn. While he isn’t a threat to create his own shot, defenders have to note where he is because he can be lethal with catch-and-shoot 3-point shots.

His defensive versatility is also something NBA teams will value. He can guard in the post, but probably more importantly he can guard the perimeter. As mentioned, he can sometimes move like a guard, which helps him stay in front on the perimeter. His length can really bother smaller players, as he averaged 1.0 blocks and 1.1 steals per game.

Jabari Smith Weaknesses

Smith will need to add strength to his frame to match up with other NBA wings and post players. He is just 220 pounds, which is very light for a player who is 6-foot-10. With the added strength, his ability to play in the post should improve.

Whether it is for himself or for others, Smith isn’t the greatest at creating shots. He doesn’t have the ball-handling to consistently beat his defender off the dribble. His passing also leaves some to be desired. He is a player that will need to be set up and is not an offensive generator.

Although he is 6-foot-10, Smith sometimes settles for mid-range or long jumpers instead of going to the basket or posting up. His shot selection could use some improvement at the next level. Smith shot just 43.5 percent from the floor, which needs to improve at the next level.

Projected Draft Range: Top-Five Pick

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