Boston Celtics Draft: NBA player comparisons for 2 top targets

Boston Celtics Draft Prospect: Jalen Smith

I’m sure the sheer volume in which I’ve discussed the idea of Boston selection Jalen Smith has become somewhat of a nuisance to the Hardwood Houdini faithful — we love you guys — but, frankly, I do not care…

The Boston Celtics need to target Jalen Smith in the 2020 NBA Draft!

His style of play just fits the C’s system perfectly, like Cinderella’s glass slipper if you will.

Referencing one of my most recent posts about the wonder that would be Smith in gree & white:

"In his sophomore year with the Maryland Terrapins, Smith turned himself into a fine collegiate starter to a sure-fire NBA prospect. Through 31 games in 2019-20, the big man put up impressive averages of 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game on 54 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep on a respectable 2.8 attempts. 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."

Though he’ll most definitely need to bulk up once he gets to the league (weighs in at 225-pounds), Smith’s game is perfect for a modern-day NBA big and, frankly, as an overall baller, he is reminiscent of one of the pioneers of said archetype:

NBA player comparison – Chris Bosh

No, not all comparisons on this list will be consisting of current players…

While some may view this as a bit of a stretch, I tend to believe the only real differences between Jalen Smith’s game at Maryland and Chris Bosh’s time at Georgia Tech and, subsequently, in the NBA is quickness and a sound post-game, where Bosh has him beat.

Virtually posting the same collegiate stats during his one-and-done season — 15.6 points, nine rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game –, and coming into the draft at a very similar height, weight (6-10, 210-pounds) and natural skillset as Smith (athletic big who can finish at the rim, stretch the floor, handle the ball, and play both the four and five), Bosh managed to excel at the next level, being selected to 11 All-Star games, four NBA Finals appearances, and two NBA Championships.

No, this is not me suggesting that Jalen Smith is going to come into the league and light it up to the same magnitude that Bosh did back in 2003. By all accounts, he’ll likely be a draft and stash prospect while they wait to have him hone his game over time.

However, his size and skillset are very reminiscent of a young CB, and this simply cannot go unnoticed any longer.

But hey, if you don’t want to take my word for it, go to the tape and see for yourself!