17. Minnesota Timberwolves – Jalen Smith, C, Maryland
There’s quite a gap of talent at the center position after James Wiseman and Onyeka Okongwu. However, Jalen Smith is probably the next best bet at the position. Grabbing him at No. 17 would be smart for the Minnesota Timberwolves after they took LaMelo Ball with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Smith is a good rim protector and can hit the 3-point shot. If he can translate that to the NBA, there’s no question that he’d be a good fit next to Karl-Anthony Towns. Where Towns lacks on the defensive end, Smith answers. This is not to say that he’s an elite defender, just one that would help shadow Towns.
During his sophomore season at Maryland, Smith averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game on 37 percent shooting from 3-point range.