Jalen Smith selected 10th overall by Phoenix Suns in 2020 NBA Draft
Nov 18, 2020, 7:11 PM | Updated: Nov 19, 2020, 12:34 am
Jalen Smith #25 of the Maryland Terrapins drives against Kavell Bigby-Williams #11 of the LSU Tigers during the second half of the game in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Vystar Memorial Arena on March 23, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns have selected Maryland big man Jalen Smith with the 10th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Smith, 20, played two seasons for the Terrapins. Last season, Smith averaged 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.
A large part of Smith’s appeal is being a stretch big, shooting 36.8% from three-point range last year on 2.8 attempts per game. Smith also showed an ability to attack closeouts by taking a dribble or two to finish at the rim.
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Smith will slide between the power forward and center position, as he has to continue to develop physically at 225 pounds before playing full-time minutes at the 5 spot. Smith’s foot speed is average, as he will struggle with versatility switching and defending quick power forwards, but can stay in front of slower ball-handlers.
The 20-year-old will help shape the Suns’ big man rotation, which currently only has 2018 No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton set to return. Aron Baynes is an unrestricted free agent, Dario Saric is restricted and both Frank Kaminsky and Cheick Diallo have options.
