Boston Celtics 2020 Mock Draft 2.0

No. 26) Jalen Smith, Maryland

For those of you who follow my writing, you’ll know I’m a big advocate for Jalen Smith being drafted by the Boston Celtics in this year’s draft. Truth be told, until this illustrious night comes I will continue preaching this sentiment.

The sophomore big-man produced at a very impressive clip during the 2019-20 campaign with the Maryland Terrapins. Through 31 games Smith managed to register 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game on 54 percent shooting from the floor and a much improved 37 percent shooting from downtown on just under three attempts per game.

Frankly, I’ve talked about the idea of the Cs drafting Smith so often that, I’m simply tired of re-writing the same thing over and over again. With this in mind, I will now quote one of my pieces about the talented big from early last month:

"Showcasing a solid shooting stroke, a comfortability with putting the ball on the floor and an unbelievable feel for the game on defense, the forward/ center turned himself into his team’s most trusty player. With his production, Smith received honors of Big 10 All-Defensive Team, First-Team All-Big 10 and found himself on the All-American Third-Team. At 6-10, his height is tailor-made in regard to the archetype of bigs Boston Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens prefers to roll out into a rotation. His ability to play in the post as well as space the floor would work well with the scheme the shamrocks typically run while his defensive abilities would only add to their already menacing fourth-ranked defensive rating (106.2)."

I myself have made the comparison between Smith and Chris Bosh during his days at Georgia Tech. Regardless of whether you agree with this or not, it’s safe to say that the 20-year-old big has a plethora of talent, intriguing potential, and, if available at 26, a superior option over the lot of other players that will assuredly be available.

I will preach this until the cows come home: Jalen Smith would be an ideal fit for the Boston Celtics.

Mr.  Ainge, please keep him high on your radar.