NBA Mock Draft 5.0: LaMelo Ball holds out for Knicks; Bulls win lottery

NBA Draft prospect Obi Toppin (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
NBA Draft prospect Obi Toppin (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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NBA Draft
NBA Draft Jalen Smith . (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

26. Boston Celtics – Jalen Smith, F, Maryland

With their second pick in the first round, expect the Celtics to target a big. Late in the first round, there are a number of bigs that could make sense for the Celtics. Jalen Smith, a 6-foot-10 forward out of Maryland, could be a target. After a sophomore season in which he averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds per game on 37 percent shooting from 3-point range.

There are questions about his future as a potential as a starter (at this point in the draft which prospect wouldn’t have those questions), but any big that can stretch the floor will be a wanted commodity in the NBA.

Smith also has the ability to be a rim-protector. That’s why he could be a first-round pick. In an NBA that is quickly moving to a more perimeter-oriented game, Jalen Smith is an interesting prospect. Especially for a team that is in need of frontcourt depth like the Celtics.