OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: Jalen Smith
Jalen Smith strengths and weaknesses
Strengths:
Of the big men in the first round, Jalen Smith is one of the few who already has a developed 3-point shot. He attempted just under three (2.8) 3-pointers per game and connected with a 36.8 percent efficiency.
While other big men also produce a double-double this perimeter adeptness isn’t present with many others in this class.
Yet it may be his defensive versatility that is his greatest asset. Smith is particularly adept at guarding in space often getting blocks and rebounds in space while also being highly capable of guarding out to the perimeter. His natural shot-blocking and screen setting are arguably the best in the class.
Teams who want to push the ball in transition will love his advanced skill set. He’s able to get the rebound, take one or two dribbles and then lead the break or get the ball quickly up to his guards.
He’s very disciplined with a high IQ. His Maryland coach Mark Turgeon paid him a huge compliment stating “He’s probably the best player I’ve ever coached with the least amount of ego.”
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Weaknesses:
Ball handling, dribbling in traffic and overall playmaking are areas of Smith’s game he needs to improve. If he can grow specifically in these areas it will catapult him to the next level.
Turgeon noted his greatest weakness is dribbling and that Smith has been working on that during the hiatus.
Some analysts rave about his defensive instincts and abilities while others are less impressed and cite it as his weakness. The truth is Smith has some wonderful defensive qualities (blocking, rebounding, effort) but also needs to work to improve in other areas.
The biggest problem has been his slides which most NBA rookies will hear their coaches tell them. Lateral movement is one of those tricky development areas. While some players are predisposed to be better at slides based on good footwork or body structure others need to work twice as hard to overcome physical limitations.
The good news is Smith is someone who’ll invest the time to improve working with a conditioning coach to improve his flexibility and foot speed. More importantly, his high IQ will offset his physical limitations while he adapts and grows his game.