2020 NBA Draft: How Jalen Smith fits with the New Orleans Pelicans

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Jalen Smith could be the big the New Orleans Pelicans take in the NBA Draft (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: Jalen Smith could be the rim protector the team needs

Jalen Smith’s Strengths

Jalen Smith was a versatile center/power forward for Maryland who did a little bit of everything. He averaged 15.5 points and 10.5 rebounds for the Terrapins, scoring mostly from the interior, though he did flash a decent mid-range game and touch from the 3-point line.

The most interesting things about Smith as a prospect for the Pelicans are his shot blocking and 3-point shooting. Smith averaged 2.4 blocks per game this season and shot 36.8 percent from behind the arc.

Teams are desperate for big men who can protect the rim and stretch the floor and Smith should be able to do both. He has a nice release that should translate well to the NBA 3-point line. Here he is knocking down a couple of catch-and-shoot threes:

Smith has nice form and the length to shoot over most defenders, so he could eventually be a weapon in the pick-and-roll. He also shoots free throws at 75 percent, another thing the Pelicans desperately need, as they are one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the NBA.

However, if Smith is to crack a roster it will be because of his defense and rebounding. He has a high motor and gets after it on the glass, especially on the defensive end.

He can also block shots, which is something the Pelicans need, especially out of their big men. The Pelicans didn’t have a single player average at least one block per game this season and it was even worse in the bubble.

Smith is the type of athletic combo forward that teams are looking for on the defensive end, and he has some nice upside on offense as well.

But Smith does come with a few red flags.