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.