NBA
Historically, the No. 1 in the NBA Draft is destined to become one of the stars of the league, so there is always a lot of expectation around the event. This year, Jabari Smith has all the tickets to be the first pick.
–
—-
—
The NBA Draft is the birthplace of the league’s great stars because it is where young talent from universities or foreigners who are under 22 years old are proposed as eligible. And it is during this event where the franchises choose the best possible options; clearly there is a job of months of scouting behind. Still, despite the fact that each team spends millions of dollars investigating each of the 60 prospects that appear in the Draft, there are almost always surprises.
This year, the Draft has a special tinge because children of legendary players like Shareef O’Neal (Shaquille’s son) or Scotty Pippen Jr. (Scottie’s son, Michael Jordan’s partner) were presented as eligible. However, of all the prospects that will be available in the Draft, it is Jabari Smith who has an abysmal advantage to be the first choice. In this case, the No. 1 pick is held by the Orlando Magic.
–
Who is Jabari Smith?
Basketball today no longer has fixed positions, so it’s hard to pigeonhole Smith. His 2.08 meters allows him to have great physical power to enter the paint and have a free path to the basket, but at the same time he has shown to have a very solid outside shot. Therefore, in today’s NBA he would be a kind of small forward or power forward with characteristics similar to those of Kawhi Leonard. Obviously, being 19 years old, he doesn’t have the muscle mass of the Clippers player, but he does have his great defensive game.
Smith excelled at Auburn University playing for the Tigers, where he was unanimously elected into the NCAA All-American. In addition, he was also chosen as his university’s conference Rookie of the Year, and despite the fact that he is a first-year player, he made the decision to turn professional because of the high expectations that were generated around him. With the Tigers he averaged 16.9 pts and 7.4 rebounds with a 42% success rate in the triple.
–
Why would he be No. 1 in the Draft?
Although there are very promising players in the Draft like Chet Holmgren or Paolo Banchero, the fact that the Orlando Magic have the first choice is what ends up weighing. After picking Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony in recent drafts, the East franchise is looking to find a perfect complement for that back court in Smith. Also, the fact that Jabari has the ability to have a good outside shot also gives the team a lot more offensive tools.
However, the main characteristic in which Smith surpasses the rest is that he has a great defensive game. So, along with Jonathan Isaac and Wendell Carter Jr., they could turn the Magic’s awful defense last season into one of the best in the league. It is true that the Orlando squad had quite a few injuries in the last year and that took a heavy toll, but if health is with them and Smith ends up being selected, the Magic would increase their power within the league.
–
