Jason Smith’s recent play is hard to peg

Jason Smith has started scoring points and shooting the ball really well, but lineup stats paint a muddied picture. The backup center is hard to peg.

Jason Smith is a hard player to peg.

The always jovial backup center never had the numbers of a shot blocker, rim protector or much of a defender at all, actually. Yet, his first few games were spent erasing shots improbably from players. He fit nicely into the team’s scheme.

Smith was not the typical bruiser either. He was a finesse player off the bench, able to hit jumpers and move the ball.

Again, he is a hard player to peg. What would he do to earn the $4.3 million he is set to earn this year? Even as just a placeholder (somewhat), a low-risk acquisition that could help fill minutes and play a role, would he be someone who could contribute something?

Smith has been up and down throughout the season. He has had his struggles with certain lineups and groups and he has had his successes as a shooter and struggles again as a defender. He has been someone who has fit the bench lineup at times.

Everything has been at times for Smith. It is hard to figure him out.

Right now though, things are going well for Jason Smith. At least on offense.

Smith is making his shots, spreading the floor and filling that role. He is doing just about what the Magic are asking of him, on offense at least.

Friday against Washington, Smith proved to be a key part of the Magic’s push in the first half to stay in the game. He scored 10 points on 5-for-8 shooting. He had eight of those points in the first half, making jumpers and slinking to the lane.

This has been how Smith has operated the last few games as he has picked his offense up.

Smith was brought in to be a rock and to do many of the things Vucevic can do in the offense coming off the bench. He has been efficient with his shot these days — shooting 53.7 percent in his last 11 games. He has scored 10 points in four games during that stretch.

Again, it is hard to peg Smith. He sort of fits into the background.

For the season, Smith posts a 101.2 offensive rating and 94.8 defensive rating in his time on the floor. He seems to have a positive impact.

Despite his individual hot shooting, he has been part of lineups that have struggled while the Magic have struggled as a team. The team has a 104.7 offensive rating with him on the floor and a 106.2 defensive rating.

There probably lies the problem with Smith.

As the Magic’s defensive numbers have slipped, Smith’s numbers have slipped.

It would seem that Smith’s offensive outburst or strong shooting of late is merely a reflection of how the team does. That is part of what he does. He blends into the crowd and does his job.

Smith can produce individual numbers. There is no doubt about that. The question remains whether he can add anything to the team.

In reality, Smith is probably just a background piece. Which is fine, that was is the role he was brought in for.

These numbers seem to suggest that. Whatever he individually can give is necessary of course for how the Magic play. He adds to the offense for sure as they play above their average with his spacing.

Defensively, like everyone else on the Magic right now, he is struggling. What that means for him moving forward is uncertain.

Next: Orlando Magic go flat against Washington Wizards

It is easy to look at the scoring and think Smith is doing well. Really he is doing. . . well, it is hard to peg.