4 draft prospects Orlando Magic fans should know about
By Dan Bennett
4 Draft Prospects Orlando Magic fans should know
Jabari Smith, Jr., Auburn
Jabari Smith’s stock is considerably higher than it was before the start of the season thanks to his incredible shooting ability. So far he is knocking down 42.3-percent of his threes at Auburn and scoring 15.7 points per game.
The freshman forward is a legitimate number-one pick contender who has shown all the signs that he can be an effective modern-day, floor stretching power forward in the NBA at such a young age.
He has excellent shooting mechanics — getting his shot off quickly and at such a high point that it is difficult for anyone to stop.
He is effective off the catch-and-shoot as well as when pulling up from beyond the arc. Smith has shown ability from inside the arc with his mid-range game too.
His finishing needs to get better if he is to become a complete scorer but there is so much to like about what he is doing at Auburn this year.
Like Banchero, he can handle the ball really well for someone who is 6-foot-10 though he does not quite have the same level of shot creation skills. But he is very effective in transition and has brought the ball all the way up the floor to score at the other end this season.
On defense, there is a lot of potential and ability there too. He can crash the defensive glass, has the length to steal the ball in passing lanes and the versatility to guard different positions.
He might take time to become settled in the NBA but he would instantly bring more dynamism to a Magic offense which is severely lacking shooting.