Jai Smith
Updated on 6/26/22. Written by Alan Lu.
2022 Rankings were finalized on 6/23/22.
Height: 6-8
Weight: 220
Country: USA (Syracuse, NY)
Team: Overtime Elite
Classification: Non-College Draft Prospect
Birthdate: 1/30/2003
Projected Draft Range: 2nd Round to Undrafted
Pros:
Excels at scoring on off-ball motion plays
Adequate scorer off the dribble
Decent playmaker
Good rebounder
Adept at collecting steals and blocks
Solid athlete
Cons:
Needs to improve his outside shot
Needs to improve his free throw shooting
Must extend his shooting range
Reluctant to take outside shots
Can struggle to score in traffic
Can have lapses defensively
Limited experience against top competition
Classic tweener, is in between forward positions
May be far away from being ready to play in the NBA
Summary:
Jai Smith is an athletic, energetic combo forward that played in the Overtime Elite League this past year. He is a fairly solid finisher around the basket, and he will hustle to get rebounds, steals, and blocks in games. On the downside, he is in between forward positions, and he will need to significantly improve his outside shot and defense. He also may have a sizable jump in going from the Overtime Elite League to the NBA. Currently, he projects to be a borderline second round candidate in the 2022 draft.
Links:
RealGM Profile
NBADraft.Net Profile
Overtime Elite 2021-22 Statistics Page
Mavs Draft’s Article on the Interview with Jai Smith
Games Scouted:
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