2020 NBA Draft: 5 Bigs the Washington Wizards could draft at #9
By Ethan Smith
Jalen Smith, Maryland
Just because the Washington Wizards come into draft night with the ninth overall picks doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily be picking in the top ten.
GM Tommy Sheppard confirmed that the Wizards could be making moves on draft night.
Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard says, "We’re certainly looking to move up, but you can also move back and end up with the same player you wanted at No. 9."
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) November 17, 2020
If the Wizards do end up trading back, it probably means that studs like Wiseman and Okongwu won’t be available at nine. If the Wizards find themselves picking in the mid to late first-round instead of the top ten and still want to add a big man, Jalen Smith out of the University of Maryland should be available.
Smith is 6’10” and springy and, which helps him protect the rim, clean the boards, and throw down pretty damaging dunks on the offensive end. During his second and final season at Maryland, Smith averaged 15.5 points,10.5 rebounds per game, and 2.6 blocks per game.
Next. 5 Guards the Wizards Could Draft at #9. dark
Although Smith lacks the mobility to really play on the perimeter, he’s a good shooter from outside. He averaged 36..8 percent shooting on 2.8 attempts per game as a Sophomore. If Smith can get a little more comfortable moving in space, the Wizards could wind up with one of the steals of the draft.