The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2019 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0

By Christopher Kline

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 28: Nassir Little #10 of Orlando Christian Prep drives against Zion Williamson #12 of Spartanburg Day School during the 2018 McDonald's All American Game at Philips Arena on March 28, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 28: Nassir Little #10 of Orlando Christian Prep drives against Zion Williamson #12 of Spartanburg Day School during the 2018 McDonald's All American Game at Philips Arena on March 28, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – April 08: Jalen Smith #15 Mount St. Joseph HS, Baltimore, MD in action during the Jordan Brand Classic, National Boys Teams All-Star basketball game. The Jordan Brand Classic showcases the best male and female high school basketball players who compete in the exhibition games at the The Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York on April 08, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – April 08: Jalen Smith #15 Mount St. Joseph HS, Baltimore, MD in action during the Jordan Brand Classic, National Boys Teams All-Star basketball game. The Jordan Brand Classic showcases the best male and female high school basketball players who compete in the exhibition games at the The Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York on April 08, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /

Smith will join Fernando in the Maryland frontcourt, adding some offensive versatility next to the big-bodied defensive anchor. At 6-foot-10, filling out his thin 195-pound frame should be at the top of Smith’s priority list.

Despite his lack of strength, however, Smith presents plenty of NBA upside. His ability to space the floor is valuable in the modern NBA, while his defensive versatility is another positive. He’s mobile enough to defend switches and survive on the perimeter.

Rounding out his skill set and proving he can develop physically will be important for Smith. If he’s able to do that, while hitting a respectable clip from three-point range, he should soar up draft boards. He’s simply on the raw side of things at this point.

With Kevin Huerter moving to the NBA, Maryland will be in search of another offensive focal point. Freshmen don’t always assume those roles, but Smith has the tools to be one of the Terps’ foremost options on that end.