As the 2022 NBA Draft approaches later next month, SEC Basketball is once again set to see numerous players selected across both the first and second round. When previewing those players likely to be selected in the 2022 NBA Draft as well, what better name to start with than Jabari Smith?
A name squarely in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick, Smith is likely set to become Auburn’s highest-drafted player in Tigers program history next month, as well as join names such as Chuck Person, Chris Morris, Charles Barkley, and Issac Okoro as top five picks. So, could Smith go No. 1 overall next month, and if not, where in the top five will the Auburn freshman be selected?
SEC Basketball 2022 NBA Draft Preview: Auburn PF Jabari Smith
A former five-star recruit and Top 10 national player a year ago out of Sandy Creek High School in Georgia, the impact that Smith had during his lone season on the Plains is no secret.
Helping lead the Tigers to an SEC regular season championship, Smith started in 34-of-34 games at Auburn where he averaged 16.9 PPG and 7.4 RPG on 42% shooting from three. Earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors, Smith was also named First Team All-SEC, along with Second Team All-American.
Not only one of college basketball’s top freshman, but players overall, Smith was projected as a Top 10 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft before even stepping on the court at Auburn. Having now cemented himself in the conversation for the top overall pick as well, what are some of the potential landing spots for Smith in the 2022 NBA Draft, and how might the former five-star translate to the professional game?
Strengths
One of SEC Basketball’s top players this past season, Smith essentially has everything that you would look for in a top NBA Draft pick, with the benefit that he does it all at 6-foot-10. An elite shooter who as mentioned previously shot 42% from deep (79-of-188) as a freshman, Smith has the size to get his shot off over just about any defender, and showed throughout the 2021-22 season that he can pull-up in transition to make shots as well.
A player who shot 42.9% from the field, as well as 79.9% from the free throw line, Smith is also a strong defender on the other end of the court as well, having averaged 1.1 SPG and 1 BPG a year ago. While teammate Walker Kessler may have gotten a majority of the attention for the Tigers defensively, and rightfully so, Smith is also elite defensively, with the size and agility to be an impact defender both in the paint and on the perimeter.
How He Projects in NBA
For a player with very few weaknesses in his game, Smith is likely bound to be a star at the next level. A potential multi-time future All-Star, Smith could very-easily go down as one of the top names from this 2022 NBA Draft class 20+ years from now, and should be considered as one of the favorites to win the Rookie of the Year next season, with multiple other individual honors likely in the works during his professional career as well.
Potential Draft Fits
Smith is certainly a lock to go within the top five picks overall, with it unlikely that he even falls out of the top three. As for the best fits, any of the top three picks (Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets) are the likeliest to happen.
Draft Prediction
A likely lock to go within the top three picks, I’ll say that Smith is SEC Basketball’s first player selected in the 2022 NBA Draft, going within the top three to either the Magic, Thunder, or Rockets.