Portland Trail Blazers: 2022 NBA Draft Big Board – Top 3
By Andy Quach
Portland Trail Blazers 2022 NBA Draft Big Board #1: Jabari Smith Jr.
Jabari Smith Jr. arrived late to the number one overall pick conversation, and his initial draft notes might still be holding him back for a lot of pundits and executives.
Even though he didn’t enter his freshman season with the blue-chip pedigree that fellow top prospects Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero did, his ceiling should be considered on the same level. He quickly proved that with the Auburn Tigers, averaging 16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and one block per game while striking an absurd 43 percent of his triples on over five attempts a night.
A 6’10, athletic sniper, Smith has all of the tools required to be a superstar-level scorer in the NBA. With a picture-perfect deep stroke and the fluidity to take and make tough shots, he’s an advanced handle away from being nearly unstoppable on offense. He’s already shown the ability to hit tough, contested triples on the move, off-the-catch, and at multiple angles.
Once he can establish himself as a slasher, it’s game over.
Smith also projects to be a versatile defender in the NBA. He might not have the strength to be an elite one-on-one stopper from day one, but his activity and length will allow him to be a disruptive helper a la Robert Covington.
He’s more equipped to play off of Dame than Paolo Banchero, and his body is more NBA-ready than Chet Holmgren’s.
He also happens to be six months younger than Banchero and over a year’s worth as Holmgren’s junior. His combination of an equally high ceiling and safer floor than the next two options should make him the Portland Trail Blazers’ number one target on draft day.
NBA Comp: Rashard Lewis + Robert Covington