The Celtics need more immediate help at center than Pokusevski, who probably won’t come over for a year or two. Jalen Smith emerged this season as one of college basketball’s top centers, and his skill set should translate well to the NBA.
Smith can space the floor and shoot at a high volume. The draw of a floor-spacing center alone typically warrants first-round consideration. Smith is also an efficient finisher at the rim, using his 7-foot-2 wingspan and soft touch to finish over and around defenders. He’s agile, skilled, and ready to contribute to a professional offense.
Concerns for Smith manifest on the defensive end. He’s mobile, but he can get stiff when asked to defend in space. And, despite a listed weight of 225 pounds, Smith’s frame can cause problems on the block. He’s a highly adept shot blocker, but more physical NBA centers may get the better of him early on.