Welcome the Newest Sun

The Suns once again raised some eyebrows last night by selecting Maryland big man Jalen Smith with the 10th pick in last night’s NBA draft. Similar to last year’s draft, the NBA world was kind of perplexed by the decision. In the 2019 draft, Phoenix took Cam Johnson with the 11th pick and the Suns were ridiculed for it at the time. Fast forward 12 months and people feel very different about that pick.

The Suns are clearly looking for a replacement for Aron Baynes, who is expected to leave in free agency. Though Smith is not as bulky as Baynes, he can space the floor due to his 3 point shooting ability and be a stretch 5.

Smith played 2 seasons at Maryland, last season averaging 15.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG and 2.4 BPG. His rebounding and blocking numbers show that Smith can be a defensive presence with a 7”2 wingspan. Some people are worried about pairing Smith with Deandre Ayton but I see Smith being the back up to DA with his 6”10 frame. I think CP3 and Booker will enjoy finding Smith at the rim which he excels that or the 3 point line. He could also cause major problems for defenders in PNR situations.

Below is the shot chart of Smith as a sophomore:

Career Highlights at Maryland:

· Unanimous 2019-20 All-America Third Team selection.

· Top-five finalist for the 2019-20 Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award as a sophomore.

· Top-10 finalist for the 2019-20 Naismith Player of the Year Award and top-20 for the Wooden Award.

· 2019-20 All-Big First Team and All-Defensive Team pick.

· 2018-19 Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection.

Smith is in a lucky position; he is joining a team on the rise. The Suns showed the future is bright by going 8-0 in the bubble to end last season. Devin Booker is about to become a superstar, Ayton will be looking to improve again on a very solid end to last season after his suspension and new acquired Paul will bring leadership and an all-time basketball IQ. Smith will improve just by being around these guys on a daily basis.

So take note of the nay-sayers that Jalen is a wasted pick, if last year is anything to go by it’s to trust GM James Jones and the vision he has the Suns going forward.

On a last note, I love the glasses on Smith! Reminds me of Horace Grant back in the 90s. Welcome to the Valley Stix!