Jabari Smith Scouting Report

Jabari Smith Jr. has basketball built into his DNA. His father was selected in the second round of the 2000 NBA draft and played professional basketball for a decade. Unlike his dad, the younger Smith should expect to hear his name called in the first three picks this year. As the season progresses Smith is making it increasingly challenging to not select him first overall, will he jump Holmgren and Banchero? 

Bio and Measurables:

Strengths: Jabari Smith has taken the first half of the season to put NBA scouts on notice. Standing at 6-10 with a sizeable wingspan, not only for his position but any player in this draft, Smith has marked himself as one of the most complete players in the the college ranks. His size and length compliment all aspects of his game. On the defensive end, he frustrates his defenders in the paint and on the perimeter through getting into passing lanes and being a disruptor in the half court. Currently averaging 1.8 steals per game, he plays without fouling and uses his lateral quickness and length to frustrate defenders into a bad pass or a low percentage shot attempt. His ability to stay in front of smaller guards will have a major impact on his minutes at the next level. Being able to play as a high caliber two-way forward without fouling, has become an essential piece to every NBA rotation. In addition to his defensive ability, his offensive ability is the most appealing portion of his current game. An active rebounder on the defensive glass he has shown during his time at Auburn that he can start the break and push the ball in transition. As he continues to develop his ball handling ability he has the potential to become a point forward at the next level. Offensivley, Smith uses his size and length to score from anywhere on the floor and challenges defenders to contest shots without fouling. A high release with a smooth shooting form allows him to be extremely fluid on catch and shoot attempts, especially behind the three point line. Through the first part of the season Smith is shooting 45% from behind the arc and 72% of those conversions are assisted. Telling the story that while he can create his own shot if necessary, he is an extremely efficient shooter when in rhythm. In the pick and roll he forces defenders to guess if he will roll to the basket or pop out for a jumper. Being a dual threat helps open up the game for his teammates and will make it easier on his guards going forward to find the best shot on the floor. As a roller, he is not afraid of contact when he goes toward the basket. With momentum he can play above the rim and has shown he can catch lobs and make back cuts when defenders collapse toward the ball handler. A benefit to his game is that he is not afraid of contact and is a proven free throw shooter when he goes to the line. In the post, he has showcased the footwork and touch to become a better scorer on the block. Going forward he will lean on his length and frame to continue adding moves to his game and push the ball inside more often. Finally, his potential is one of the most interesting things about Smith. While he was never considered to be on the same level as Banchero and Holmgren going into the season, his improvement on a game to game basis has put him into the conversation to be the number one pick. Giving an NBA organization both defensive and offensive versatility with a solid face up and developing post game is becoming the new standard and Smith is showing he has it. 

Areas of Improvement: Smith while a strong candidate for the number one pick, still has areas of his game that he can improve upon going forward. Physically, while he leans on his size and length he could also use his size better on both ends of the floor. As he grows he should be able to build upon his frame and become a more physical presence when he is in the paint. On the defensive end at the next level, he will find that bigger and stronger forwards can back him into the paint under the basket and get position to score. Even though currently he is playing without fouling, when someone else is trying to physically impose themselves on you it is hard to stay straight up without being bullied into a foul. Expect this to be addressed when he enters an NBA training program. Smith doesn’t look to be a cornerstone NBA rim protector even if he continues to develop. While he is laterally quick and is athletic for his size he doesn’t have the strongest standing vertical leap and is a much better shot blocker when he has momentum as the help/recovering defender. This isn’t to say that Smith won’t be a good all-around defender he just won’t have the shot blocking prowess that other big men posses. Offensivley, he has shown immense potential as a playmaker and ball handler. Expect improvement in both of these areas as he continues to play the game and transition into a point forward role. Even though he may never be the primary ball handler or playmaker he has a chance to be a steady hand down the stretch if necessary. Before he is able to do this though he will need to improve as a decision maker, especially in the post. Going back to questions regarding his physicality, frame and strength, Smith has shown that he can be forced into a bad shot if he can’t get position on the block. As he develops he should look to become a more active passer out of the post and start looking for the best shot available on the floor. With all of this being taken into consideration, everything that needs to be worked on can.

External Factors: Smith Jr. is the son of former NBA player Jabari Smith Sr. With an NBA background and a mentor that knows that it takes to play in the league and overseas, Smith Jr. should be prepared for everything that comes with moving to the next level. 

Medical History: Smith does not have any prior injuries or an injury history that are currently impacting his draft stock. Through eight games Smith has continued to look the part. 

Summary: Every time we were able to sit down and take a look at Smith’s game he had improved.  When the season began he was a top five pick that wasn’t getting the same fanfare as Banchero or Holmgren now, he is being considered as the number one selection. Smith is a complete player with things that you can’t teach and holes in his game that are easily fixed. Considering his age and skillset, he should be the first pick going forward. It wouldn’t surprise us to see one of the other players mentioned above to be select prior to him based on their name recognition. While we are confident he goes in the top three, don’t be surprised to hear his name called first. 

MIP Projection: Top Three